India’s persistently pervasive corruption hinders the country’s development and economic expansion. India, the greatest democracy in the world, has advanced significantly in a number of areas, but corruption remains a major problem. This issue is exacerbated by crony capitalism, income disparity, and the relationship between police, crime, and corruption. These factors prevent economic growth and progress. Every year, the international non-governmental organization Transparency International publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which assigns a ranking to nations according to the degree of perceived corruption in their public sectors. India’s rating on this index, which shows how common corruption is in the nation, has continued to be a cause for concern. India was placed 85th out of 180 nations in 2022, indicating that corruption is still a major problem.
The primary investigative body in India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is tasked with looking into serious incidents of corruption and upholding the credibility of the nation’s public institutions. The CBI has examined a number of well-known cases, exposing the depth of corruption in India. The connection between businesses and unethical behavior was made clear by the inquiry into the Jet Airways bank fraud case. It revealed how strong organizations might take advantage of the system to their benefit, costing the nation money.
The arrest of the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi for taking bribes pertaining to liquor licenses serves as an example of how corruption can infiltrate even the highest echelons of civil society. The seriousness of combating corruption at all governmental levels is demonstrated by this case.
The Adani Group is suspected of engaging in fraud and tax evasion, as revealed by the purported Modi-Adani Corruption Nexus, which has drawn attention. While the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) continue their intensive investigations, reports indicate that the government is shielding the Adani Group. This case emphasizes how important it is for corporate procedures to be accountable and transparent.
The relationship that exists in India between politicians, criminals, and corruption is a worrying component of the problem. Three hundred and ninety-nine of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (385) MPAs are embroiled in criminal proceedings. In addition, fourteen of these MPs have assets worth more over 100 crores. The relationship between politics, criminality, and corruption raises significant concerns about the role of criminals in politics and the reliability of the nation’s democratic institutions.
External assessments from agencies such as Oxfam emphasize the seriousness of the issue even further. According to Oxfam’s 2023 research, from 2012 to 2021, 1% of India’s population held 40% of the country’s wealth. Because of the startling disparity in wealth, corrupt practices are made worse because influential people and organizations utilize their clout to preserve their economic hegemony.
Furthermore, India is ranked 10th on the Crony Capitalism Index, with 8% of the country’s GDP coming from the wealth of closely held companies. This score highlights the degree to which crony capitalism has permeated India’s economy and is a major hindrance to both fair competition and economic expansion.
Corruption has significant global ramifications in addition to domestic effects on India. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is hampered by a non-transparent environment because investors are leery of the dangers connected to corruption. The ambitions of the diligent Indian diaspora, who contribute significantly to the world economy, are further hampered by the pervasiveness of corruption in their nation of origin. This discourages the diaspora from contributing to the economic growth of India.
Comprehensive changes, enhanced openness, and a dedication to maintaining the rule of law are necessary to combat corruption. India needs to make an effort to foster an atmosphere that welcomes international investment and fulfill the dreams of its hardworking diaspora. Fighting corruption is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a major factor in the advancement and prosperity of the
