Corruption in public administration is something not peculiar to India. It exists in all the countries and India is by no means the worst in this respect. Corruption needs only two prerequisites—first, there must be a predisposition on the part of an individual to accept gratification, and second, he must have some discretionary power to affect some sections of the public. When both these factors combine, corruption most prevails. No wonder that the independent India is a fertile ground for corruption.
The main reason for the steady growth of corruption in India is the advent of get rich quick professional politicians on the scene. They make hay while the sun shines as also encourage corruption among the officials to suit their own ends.
The only remedy, therefore, lies in separating the function of the politicians should be confined to laying down policies and they should not have anything to do with routine day-to-day administration, except to see that the policies laid down are effective. It is also important that eminent men of standing with a spirit of dedication should come forward to replace the professional politicians so as to make for a cleaner administration.
There is also need for the government to give up its penchant for controls on the distribution of foodgrains and other essential but their continuance long after they have outlived their usefulness simply perpetuates corruption. It results in harassment to the public, which is the breeding ground for corruption.
Vocabulary
Peculiar—strange
Gratification—bribe
