GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?

Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Syllabus: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

How toppers approached it

From all 8 answers · about 140 words · 63% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition63%
  • No separate opening25%
  • A figure13%

Body

  • Points and prose63%
  • Points38%

Close

  • A summary38%
  • No separate close25%
  • A way forward25%
  • A quotation13%

The toppers’ answers

Jagrati AwasthiAIR 2 · CSE 2020 · 182 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Corruption refers to any act of omission or commission at the level of thought, word and deed for personal gratification in violation of laws and moral values.

In administration, it refers to use of public office for private gains.

Reason behind social acceptance

Body · points

→ corrupt officials rarely punished → Proceeds of corruption are used for social show-off. Eg extravagant vacations, huge houses, etc Socially, material wealth is greatly appreciated → honest officials end up being transferred → Corruption can lead to easy

fulfillment of goals Eg bribing for Driving License makes it easier than repeated visits

From acceptance to rejection

(i) Culture of accountability of public servants • timely delivery of services to public • financial accountability through internal audits

(ii) Swift enquiry and punishment of corrupt officials; Zero tolerance.

(iii) Attaching proceeds of corruption in case of conviction of accused

(iv) Honest officials should be promoted and celebrated

(v) Transparency around services Eg online data availability

(vi) social values should encourage honesty and not consumerism

Close · a way forward

Need to create a society where honest individuals are respected and corrupts are shamed and ostracised

More on Corruption

The challenge of corruption: its causes, forms and control, whistleblowing, and the ethics of tolerating it.

All GS4 questions on Corruption