Corruption in India: 10 Simple Lines on Causes, Impact & Solutions
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Added: 20.01.2026 at 10:55
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Explore 10 simple lines on corruption in India covering its causes, impact, and solutions to help students write effective essays and homework assignments.
10 Lines on Corruption – An Essay Exploring Its Causes, Impact, and Solutions in India
Introduction
“Satya mev jayate” – the Indian national motto meaning “Truth alone triumphs” – appears on every major government symbol, yet the reality of corruption starkly contrasts with this ideal. Corruption, at its core, refers to dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery or misuse of authority for personal gain. While legitimate earnings and honest profit are central to economic progress, corruption is rooted in breaking trust, violating ethics, and undermining communal values. In India, where the social and political fabric is deeply intertwined with governmental institutions, corruption has unfortunately permeated into everyday life.Discussing corruption is crucial because it is not a distant, abstract issue but something that affects ordinary people in almost every interaction with public services. From delayed LPG connections and driving licences to lost opportunities and rigged tenders, the spectre of corruption looms large. This essay aims to critically understand what causes corruption in India, the variety of forms it takes, its consequences on society and the economy, and, most importantly, how it can be tackled through collective efforts.
Causes of Corruption in India
Historical and Socio-Political Roots
The roots of corruption in India are embedded in both the remnants of colonial rule and the administrative system it fostered. The “Inspector Raj”, a term often used to describe over-regulation by bureaucratic officials, was inherited from the British and continues to breed corrupt practices. Cumbersome procedures, overlapping jurisdictions, and ambiguous rules make it nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to access services without encountering corrupt intermediaries. Weak enforcement of laws, delayed justice, and lack of strict accountability encourage dishonest functionaries to take advantage.Economic Factors
Economic hardships can make corruption both tempting and, sadly, sometimes inevitable. Many government employees posted at lower rungs (such as clerks, constables, or municipal surveyors) receive modest salaries that may not adequately reflect the rising cost of living. Bribery thus becomes an attractive, albeit unlawful, supplement to income. The circulation of black money – large sums of unaccounted cash – further skews the nation’s economy, allowing illegal transactions and illicit hoarding. Transparency issues, especially in the awarding of government contracts, open doors to “under the table” deals.Political Factors
Corruption thrives in the political realm. Elections are expensive affairs, and parties often rely on money attractions to win votes, making “vote-buying” quite common in some states. The lack of strong disqualification rules for politicians accused or convicted of corruption means many such figures continue to contest and win elections. Powerful business lobbies and industrialists too can exert undue influence, fostering a culture of mutual favours and clandestine financial exchanges.Social and Cultural Context
A significant challenge in India arises from the normalisation of petty corruption. It is widely accepted wisdom that “without chai-pani, nothing moves,” a colloquialism alluding to small, informal bribes. Ignorance about legal rights and entitlements adds to the problem, as does peer pressure to conform. When people see neighbours or friends securing jobs, licences, or admissions through unfair means, many feel compelled to follow suit, further perpetuating the cycle.Consequences of Corruption
Governance and Public Service Delivery
Corruption directly undermines the effectiveness of welfare schemes and public services. Take, for instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS): diversion of subsidised food grains to the black market deprives genuine beneficiaries. Funds meant for rural healthcare or school midday meals often disappear before reaching their intended targets, leading to poor infrastructure and substandard services. As a result, ordinary citizens lose out, and faith in public institutions erodes.Economic Impact
The invisible cost of corruption is staggering. Inefficient systems and the need to pay bribes drive up the cost of doing business, discouraging domestic growth and foreign investment. When a company knows it will have to bribe officials at every stage, it may prefer to operate elsewhere or inflate its prices, harming consumers. Black money increases the gap between rich and poor, shrinks the formal tax base, and distorts resource allocation.Social and Political Ramifications
Perhaps the most corrosive impact of corruption is the growth of inequality and injustice. Those without connections or money are side-lined, while a select few thrive. Corruption can lead to criminal syndicates operating hand-in-hand with the state, from illegal sand mining in Uttar Pradesh to coal allocation scams. Over time, such practices erode the trust people have in democracy, making them cynical and less likely to participate in civic life.Types and Examples of Corruption in India
Bribery and Kickbacks
These are perhaps the most visible forms of corruption. Citizens regularly pay bribes to secure driving licences, get police verification done, or hasten registration in government offices. Even small acts, like bribing a traffic constable, add up.Nepotism and Favouritism
Jobs and government contracts awarded on the basis of personal connections, not competence, have become notorious. The practice of “sifarish” (recommendation) remains rampant, damaging both efficiency and public trust. For example, in many state-run enterprises, relatives of politicians have been found occupying plum posts.Political and Corporate Corruption
Cases abound where politicians dole out favours in exchange for political donations or support. The infamous “2G spectrum scam” or the “Commonwealth Games scam” are reminders of how deep-rooted political-corporate nexuses can be. In sectors such as mining or construction, illegal approvals are sometimes bought by private agents to bypass environmental or safety norms.Efforts to Combat Corruption
Legal and Institutional Frameworks
After years of public pressure, laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act and the establishment of institutions such as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have aimed to provide checks and balances. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed after mass movements like Anna Hazare's India Against Corruption campaign, giving the public hope of an independent anti-corruption ombudsman.Technological and Administrative Innovations
Progress in e-governance, through portals like DigiLocker, UMANG, and online RTI filing, has reduced the opportunities for face-to-face bribery. Digitisation of land records and direct cash transfers to beneficiaries, enshrined in initiatives like Aadhaar-linked payments, have been lauded for curbing leaks and malpractices.Right to Information (RTI)
One of the most transformative tools has been the RTI Act (2005), which empowers citizens to demand information from public authorities. Countless potholes have been filled, pensions disbursed, and ghost employees identified because persistent citizens used RTI. However, whistleblowers and RTI activists face harassment and sometimes even threats to their lives, underlining the dangers inherent in fighting corruption.Judicial Reforms and Education
Fast-track courts set up to address corruption cases and efforts to impose stricter punishments have seen mixed success—delays and loopholes remain. However, a lasting solution can only come when young people are educated about civic duties and ethical behaviour. Campaigns led by NGOs and awareness drives in schools help nurture integrity from a young age.Role of Citizens
No law or institution can succeed unless citizens themselves take responsibility. Everyday actions—refusing to pay or demand bribes, reporting malpractices, and following honest conduct—make a difference. Civil society groups have been instrumental in spreading awareness, organising workshops, and supporting those who fight for transparency. Collective pressure through public audit campaigns, like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan's social audits in Rajasthan, show that grassroots vigilance can drive genuine change.Challenges in Tackling Corruption
Despite many positive steps, corruption remains deeply entrenched. Systemic inertia, complex rules, and vested interests often resist reform. Political will is sometimes lacking, with those in power reluctant to punish their own. Culturally, the normalisation of “speed money” and the isolation of honest voices act as powerful deterrents against change.Conclusion
Corruption, as seen in India, is both a cause and result of intricate social, political, and economic forces. It wastes resources, stunts progress, and undermines the very foundations of trust and justice. While new laws, digital tools, and public mobilisations indicate progress, much of the struggle lies ahead. As Gandhiji said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” For a corruption-free India, every citizen, institution, and leader must embrace responsibility, cherish integrity, and persist in the pursuit of a fairer society. Only then can we truly claim that truth, and not dishonesty, triumphs in our land.---
10 Lines on Corruption (Summary)
1. Corruption means misuse of power for personal benefit, often through bribery or unethical practices. 2. It undermines society by weakening trust in institutions and promoting unfairness. 3. Historic factors like colonial bureaucracy and complex procedures help corruption persist in India. 4. Economic troubles, such as low pay and poverty, often drive people toward corrupt practices. 5. Political and corporate corruption hamper the nation’s development and democracy. 6. Petty corruption, like bribing for licences, is sadly common in daily life. 7. Laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act and institutions like Lokpal aim to address this challenge. 8. Public empowerment tools like the RTI Act enable citizens to demand transparency. 9. Ultimately, honesty, education, active citizenship, and robust enforcement are essential to eradicate corruption. 10. Collective efforts can help India build a society where truth, fairness, and justice truly prevail.Sample questions
The answers have been prepared by our teacher
What are the main causes of corruption in India?
Corruption in India arises from historical colonial systems, economic hardship, political influence, and social acceptance. Factors like weak law enforcement and low salaries contribute significantly.
How does corruption in India impact public service delivery?
Corruption in India disrupts public welfare schemes, diverts resources from beneficiaries, and results in poor infrastructure. It diminishes faith in government institutions.
What are some common examples of corruption in India?
Examples include bribery for basic services, rigged government tenders, and the misuse of public funds. Everyday services like licences and subsidies often involve corrupt practices.
What solutions are proposed to reduce corruption in India?
Proposed solutions include stricter law enforcement, simplifying procedures, increasing transparency in government dealings, and raising public awareness about legal rights.
How is corruption in India linked to its historical and administrative roots?
India's corruption is partly inherited from colonial-era bureaucracy, where complex regulations and weak oversight make corruption easier for officials and intermediaries.
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