ACTS ACADEMY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, BENGALURU

COURSE: MASTER OF THEOLOGY

SUBJECT: SOCIETAL ISSUES, ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION

NAME: SEBASTIN J K – M.TH. 1 (MISSION) PRESENTING DATE: 18.09.2023

SUBMITTED TO: REV. DR. PAUL MOHAN RAJ

PAPER PRESENTATION ON

CORRUPTION IN HIGH AND LOW PLACES

Introduction
Corruption is one of the social; evils found in all societies, and it is one of the biggest threats to the well-
being of society. It degrades the quality of the services and ruins the common person's life. It is essential to
understand how corruption works to be exposed and the corrupt can be held responsible for creating a corrupt
system. Corruption is a cause of serious concern for the people of India. Since, it is adversely affecting all
aspects of their life- social, spiritual, political, economic, educational, and moral. It is spreading like a tumor
in all systems and administrations. Hence, every citizen of India is responsible for making our country free of
corruption. This paper will throw light on various causes, effects, and measures and corruption in high and
low places in India.
1. Corruption
Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense undertaken by a person or an organization entrusted
in a position of authority to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one’s personal gain. It may involve
many categories such as bribery, influence peddling, and embezzlement.1
Corruption can also hinder the economic growth of a nation and aggravate poverty and inequality.
Corruption is deceitful behavior that people in positions of power exhibit for personal gain. It is most
commonly seen among government officials. It included extortion, networking, election results, and money
laundering.
India is regarded as one of the countries where corruption has become very widespread in recent
years. Corruption is one of the factors that has contributed to the degradation of Indian politics Corruption in
India has become deep-rooted and its growth is unchecked and unhindered.2
2. Meaning and Definition
The meaning of the concept of corruption can be made clear by means of some definitions.
a. The simple words for corruption refer to “an act of bribery.”

1. Y. K. Sharma, Indian society: Issues and problems (Agra: Lakshmi Narain Agarwal, 2010), 366-367.
2. C.N. Shankar Rao, Indian Social Problems: A Sociological Perspective (New Delhi: S. Chand and Company
Limited,2015), 322-323.
 b. Dictionary defines it as – “an inducement to wrong by bribery or other unlawful means: a departure
from what is pure and correct.”
c. D.H. Bailey - “Misuse of authority as a result of consideration of personal gain which need not be
monetary.”
d. Bhargava – “act of commission or omission by a public servant for securing pecuniary or other
material advantage or indirectly for himself, his family or friends is corruption.” 3
e. According to Andriski - “Corruption is the use of public power for private advantage in ways that
transgress some formal rule or Law.”4
3. Characteristics of corruption:
a. Corruption refers to an irregular illegal and immoral practice associated without public life.
b. If involves dereliction of duty, moral and legal lapses. 5
c. Persons party to corruption tend to neglect their prescribed duty deliberately.
d. It involves the practice of receiving bribes not only for getting the wrong things done but also for
getting the right things done at the right time.
e. It involves the abuse of power associated with a public office or public life.6
4. Corruption: A Historical Perspective:
Corruption is a global phenomenon. It is found in every society in one or other forms since time
immemorial. It existed in ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Hebrew societies. Ancient Indian society was
not an exception to it. Corruption in India was limited in ancient times among people of the upper classes.
Today corruption spread to various levels such as villages, towns, cities, states, and central government
activities after the democratic government.7

5. Causes of corruption:
C K Shanker Rao Says – “Corruption is like blood cancer. It has deep roots in the country. As time
moves more and more people are being swept by the move of corruption.”8
These causes of corruption are many and complex and the promise of the parties to eradicate corruption is not
hard to implement. Corruption is primarily seen in jobs, business, promotions, election campaigns, sports,
government, the private sector, etc…
1. Low Pay scales and Wages: Most of the employees in the government sector are paid low wages and
salaries. Hence some employees revert to corruption for more financial benefits.
2. Low Job opportunities: Due to the lack of job opportunities, many people opt to bribe authorities to
get a job offer.

3. Y.K. Sharma, Indian Society, 367.

4. A. Subramanya, Social Problems (Bangalore: Subhas Stories Books Corner, 2000), 361.
5. Y.K. Sharma, Indian Society, 367.
6. Y.K. Sharma, Indian Society, 367 – 368.
7. A. Subramanya, Social Problems,361-362.
8. C. N. Shanker Rao, Sociology (New Delhi: S. Chanda and Company Limited, 1990), 622.
3. Lack of Strict and fast punishments: Even if someone is found guilty or even caught red-handed by the
anti-corruption officials or media, the convicts get less punishment.
4. Lack of fear of a bad reputation: If a person is corrupt or has done some unacceptable misconduct, they
have to be avoided and not be respected.
5. Lack of Public Unity: The public openly criticizes corruption, but interestingly there is no unity among the
public to stop corruption. If the public stands united against corruption so that no one is ready to offer bribes
to get their work done, then the corrupt officials will have no other option but to work in a corruption-free
manner
6. Lack of transparency in affairs and deals: Many appointments or seat allocation processes like in
education, contracts, job, and employee income reports (wealth possession) lack transparency. This lack of
transparency in the processes provides loopholes for corruption.
7. Lack of Independent detective agency: Lack of an independent detective agency to investigate with full
power and freedom to expose the corrupt individuals.
8. Lack of state funding for elections
State funding for polls is the best way to beat corruption. Political parties receive party donations through
public or businesses and will not disclose them to the fullest.
9. The option of many political parties In a democracy, anyone can establish a political party. If a political
party wins, the party members will desire to expand the party all over the country.
10. Lack of enough powers for the judiciary. The judicial system has low options to punish someone who is
found to be guilty.
11. Lack of accountability: The employees in government offices do not perform to their par excellence.
12. Encouragement of unhealthy competition: Competition in business is a good sign for the quality of
service to be delivered.
But in developing nations, there is an encouragement of unhealthy competition.
These causes of corruption have to be eliminated for the better growth of the nation.9
6. Corruption in high places:
1. Political corruption: Political corruption is the main motivating factor for organized crime in modern
societies. Political corruption is a willful failure to perform a specified duty in order to receive some
direct personal gain.
According to the observation of Elliot and Merril about political corruption. “Political corruption and
organized crime are so closely related that one cannot be considered without the other.”
Corruption among politicians is also due to the patronage principle adopted by them. According to
certain appointments are exchanged to win the largest amount of political support (vote). Anything

9
Ranga N R, “Causes of Corruption,” mind controversy mind of peace, November 27, 2022, accessed on
22.08.2023. https://www.mindcontroversy.com/causes-of-corruption/#google_vignette.
 related to developmental activity has been unashamedly used as a cover for political corruption by the
political parties and the leadership.10
2. Corruption by Police: is a form of police misconduct in which law enforcement officers end up
breaking their political contract and abusing their power for personal gain. This type of corruption
may involve one or a group of officers. Internal police corruption is a challenge to public trust,
cohesion of departmental policies, human rights, and legal violations involving serious consequences.
Public corruption can take many forms such as bribery.
A. Soliciting or accepting bribes: not reporting or not taking charge against them and receiving
money.
B. Flouting: Using falsified evidence, there are also situations where law enforcement officers may
deliberately and systematically participate in organized crime themselves.
C. Selective enforcement: hiding internal and departmental problems, both from public view and
also from inter-departmental reviews and investigations.11
3. Corruption and businessman: Corruption cannot be practical by persons in authority alone. Here
businessmen are prepared to pay, in order to exchange for privileges, The Committee on Prevention of
Corruption – 1964 observed “Corruption can exist only if there is someone willing to corrupt and
capable of corrupting.” This corruption occurs in order to avoid taxes, trafficking in licenses, transfer
of money, and property sale and purchase.12
There are three types of corruption in business:
a. Bribery: the most prolific form of corruption in business. It could take place in public officials
and private individuals.
b. Fraud: by which officers of the company misuse their office for personal gain. In India,
vijayamallya, Neeraj Modi, etc…
c. Embezzlement: Taking the company’s goods or funds for personal gain is called embezzlement.
7. Corruption in Lower Places:
1. Corruption by individuals: which Citizens may break the law without bribery the officials, means
one may pay less tax by sharing less profit. This corruption may be equated with a criminal act.
2. Corruption in public service:
a. Lack of information: lack of information that makes it difficult for citizens to know what they
should do to get access to services, and what they are entitled to, once they gain access to
services.
b. One side agreement of the citizens with the service provider: the service provider will insist on
the citizen paying the fee, providing the needed documents and other terms, but does not promise
to deliver the expected service or benefit. The citizen cannot hold the provider accountable for

10
G. Subramanya, Social Problem, 366-367.
11
“Police Corruption,” Accessed on 22.08.2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_corruption.
12
G. Subramanya, Social Problem, 367-368.
 time, deadlines, quality, and standards of service. The helplessness of the party of the citizen often
causes him to give bribes to get the service.
c. Lack of grievance-redressed machinery: When problems arise, the government can terminate a
service provider or penalize the citizen if he fails to comply with a reliable grievance-redressed
machinery to respond to his/her complaints.
d. Indifferent attitude of the public officials towards the people: the public is reluctant to listen to
the voice of the people. Especially, the poor, though the govt. he controls its services and makes
the laws and rules. It rarely monitors the actual delivery of its services.13
8. Nature of corruption in public life:
Corruption has become a widespread practice today. A large number of public servants are guilty of
either practicing or supporting corruption.
1. Receiving bribe/ reward for doing one’s duty: receiving some reward on that part of a public
servant, for the work done by him in his official capacity.
2. Show of official power to obtain the reward: police officers receive a ‘manual’ at the hands of
small vendors found in footpaths of busy areas of a city.
3. Misuse public property: Government officers using govt. vehicle for personal trips, marketing,
etc….
4. Ownership of undeclared wealth: possessing property or financial resources disproportionate
to one's declared sources of income.
5. Abuse or misuse of official position. Ex: misusing getting free supply food, vegetables.
6. Receiving gifts for doing favors: ex. Like getting a car, gold, etc.14
9. Impact of corruption:
Corruption is dangerous and spreads speedily in all fields of social life.
1. Corruption retards economic development: it makes disturbs the processes of social–economic
planning. It leads to inactivity, inefficiency, irresponsibility, and negligence towards socially
significant issues.
2. Rules and regulations became a force: corruption leads to violence and lawlessness the society.
3. Corruptions increase the misery of the common man: common people become subject to
frustration, disappointment, and insecurity.
4. Corruption leads to waste of money and waste of time: corrupt officials stick to delaying policy,
and much of the public time and money gets wasted.
5. Corruption gives scope for wasted interests: when corruption centers in public life, it will
strongly root in politics, administration, education, social welfare, economy, employment, judicial
system, and service sectors.

13
C.N. Shankar Rao, Indian Social Problems: A Sociological Perspective, 329.
14
C.N. Shankar Rao, Indian Social Problems:, 323 -324.
 6. The future becomes bleak: it will break the hopeful bright future. Corruption destabilizes the
government and demoralizes the public. It is bound to take society towards a great fall.15
10. Consequences of corruption:
1. Loss of National wealth: This is the greatest loss for the people of India. Since independence, India
has shown tremendous growth in corruption (Jeep deal to 2 G spectrum scams). India lost billions and
billions of dollars of money in various scams. Instead of becoming an independent affluent nation,
India is dependent on international loans, grants, and Favors due to this tremendous of wealth in
corruption.
2. Hindrance and obstruction in development: Corruption is the only obstruction in the way towards
development. We cannot become a developed and self-sufficient nation until corruption is not
eradicated from our country. Many developmental projects are taking unnecessary time for their
completion due to corruption. Many officials consider these projects as special hens (hens that lay
golden eggs every day). If the project is completed, these special hens will die. Hence, they take
proper care of these hens.
3. Backwardness: Due to corruption, India is behind in almost every field- sports, inventions, health,
medicine, research, education, economy, defense, infrastructure, technology, and so on. Many
scientists do not have the latest equipment and technology for research and development. Sportsmen
do not have proper facilities, equipment, coaching, and training. There are scams and corruption in
defense deals. Many doctors lack specialized and modern skills in treatment and diagnosis.
4. Poverty: Due to corruption, government is unable to eradicate poverty. Rich are becoming richer by
snatching the rights and wealth of the poor. Various packages, reservations, and compensations for
poor people, minorities, and backward communities are announced by the government from time to
time. But these disadvantaged sections of society hardly get any benefits. Since affluent people freely
consume benefits meant for the poor.
5. Authority and power in the wrong hands: Ineligible and incapable candidates are selected for various
important positions. They pay and get selected. Due to their inefficiency, there exist many faults and
weaknesses in the system and management. These faults get easily hidden through corruption. The
deserving and creative candidates satisfy themselves with unsuitable jobs and positions.
6. Brain drain: Corrupt employers and mediators offer jobs to unskilled and incapable candidates by
taking bribes. They get their share of the wealth. But the nation loses its valuable share. Due to the
lack of good opportunities in India,
7. Rise in terrorism and crimes: One of the reasons for the rise in crimes is corruption in police
administration. Police departments grant security and protection to the citizens. When this department
gets engaged in corrupt activities. Then there is no control over crimes and brutal killings. Since

15
C.N. Shankar Rao, Indian Social Problems: A Sociological Perspective, 331-332.
 criminals are given freedom and victims are tortured. Besides, corruption also leads to injustice.
Injustice gives birth to crimes and anti-social activities. Citizens take up arms to secure justice.
8. Rise in suicide cases: Suicide cases are increasing in India by leaps and bounds. One of the major
causes of several suicide cases is injustice resulting from corruption. The government announces
various schemes and help packages for farmers but most of the time this financial help does not reach
the farmers due to corruption in the administration. This leads to rise in suicide cases among farmers.
Candidates fulfill all necessary criteria for jobs or admissions, but also they fail in their attempt to
secure it. Because they do not have political contacts and money. This leads to hopelessness and
depression which ultimately results in suicide.
9. Psychological and social disorders: Due to corruption in the judicial system and police
administration. Culprits are left free and victims get punishments and injustice. Due to this injustice,
many victims suffer from depression and serious psychological disorders. Many victims get frustrated
with the judicial system and develop a feeling of revenge against culprits. As a result, the victims
become culprits by engaging themselves in anti-social activities. It corrodes the healthy social fabric
of the nation.16

10. Measures to control corruption:

1. Prevention of Corruption Act. 1947: section for punishing those who are guilty of taking bribes.
Introduced in 1947. This act has been a miserable failure in reaching its target.
2. Prevention of Corruption Act. 1988: This act is closely similar to the 1947 Act. Even though this act
enlarged the scope of the term “public servant.” This act is applicable to all the employees of the
central and union territories. (Imprisonment less than six months – mandatory, and extending to a
maximum period of five years).17
3. Prevention of Money Laundering Act. 2002: PMLA was enacted to fight against the criminal offense
of legalizing income/ profits from an illegal source. This act enables the government or the public
authority to confiscate the property earned from the illegally gained proceeds. (Gambling, fake
invoicing, real estate, fictional loans, hawala (black money), etc.…)18
4. Central Vigilance Commission Act.: An Act to provide for the constitution of a CVC to inquire or
cause inquiries to be conducted into offenses alleged to have been committed under the prevention of
corruption Ac 1988. Certain categories of public servants of the central government corporations,
Govt. companies, societies, etc…19

16
Wasi Arman, Causes, consequences and cures of corruption in India, accessed on 27th July 2023.
https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/137016-Causes-Consequences-and-Cures-of-Corruption-in-India.aspx
17
C.N. Shankar Rao, 333.
18
Ram Ahuja, Social Problems in India (Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2009),515 -516.
19
Ram Ahuja, Social Problems in India, 516.
5. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act. 1988: Purchase of property in the false name of another
person who does not pay for the property. Benami transactions shall be punishable with imprisonment
of up to 3 years or a fine.
6. The Lokpal and Loka yukatas Act. 2103: It is commonly known as the Lokpal Act, which is an anti-
corruption act of the India parliament in India. Which ‘seek to provide for the establishment of the
institution of Lokpal to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and
for matters connecting them.’
Lokaykta: the state level refers to a man or two-man committee established to investigate charges of
corruption against ministers.
Lokayukta is in charge of probing into the corruption charges made against higher-level public
servants, and a Lokayukta is responsible for the lower levels.
The Lokpal takes care of and ensures the inquiry and prosecution of the cases where union officials
are charged with corruption cases. Lokayukta is a state–level body that is similar to Lokapal and acts
as the state-level officials and looks after their corruption charges.20
11. Solution for the corruption:
1. Education: Education helps reduce corruption. according to a survey the least corrupt state is Kerala,
because of Kerala has literacy rate is highest in in\dia. Due to being unaware of the field of law, and
public rights.
2. Individual contribution: Students' minds must be included with values such as honesty, integrity,
selflessness, etc. We should be honest with ourselves.
3. Eligibility of politician: One can only become a politician of he/she does not have any criminal
record. But today's 100 politicians about 60% of those would have criminal cases against them.
4. Increase digital and e–government: using CCTV in the govt. offices and exposing those videos in
the media.
5. Corruption treatment: Use act properly, like the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
6. Salary increase: It will minimize the need for bribes.
7. Police reforms and stronger judicial
8. Blacklist corrupt businesses: private businesses caught indulging in corrupt practices or bribing
officials should be blacklisted and banned for some years.21

20
C.N. Shankar Rao, Indian Social Problems: A Sociological Perspective, 334-338.

21
Asha Kanta Sharma, How to Stop Corruption? Accessed on 27th July 2023.
http://www.corruptie.org/en/corruption/what-is-corruption.
Conclusion
Corruption is an intractable problem. It is like diabetes, can only be controlled, but not totally
eliminated. It may not be possible to root out corruption completely at all levels but it is possible to contain it
within tolerable limits. Honest and dedicated persons in public life and control over electoral expenses could
be the most important prescriptions to combat corruption. Corruption has a corrosive impact on our economy.
It worsens our image in the international market and leads to a loss of overseas opportunities. Corruption is a
global problem that all countries of the world have to confront, solutions, however, can only be home grown.
We have tolerated corruption for so long. The time has now come to root it out from its roots.
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Shanker Rao, C.N. Indian Social Problems. New Delhi: S. Chand and Company Limited,2020.
Sharma,Y.K. Indian Society Issues and Problems. Agra: Lakashmi Narain Agarwal, 2010.

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