Challenges of Corruption

Satyameva Jayate: Truth Alone Triumphs

Introduction
• According to Transparency International: "Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for
private gains."
◦ Many forms-nepotism, bribery, extortion, influence, embezzlement
▪ KAUTILYA
▪ honey on tongue
▪ fish in pond
• 2nd ARC: Discretion + Monopoly- Accountability= Corruption
• LOW RISK HIGH REWARD
• Considered "Convenient necessity"
• Poor reward and incentive mechanism

1.Individual
2.Organisation
1.Work culture
2.Disincentives for honesty
3.WPA
4.Code of ethics---- for bureaucrats, MPs
3.Society
1.Mirroring effect
2.Tolerance for corruption
3.Corruption seen as source of efficiency for service delivery
4.Decline of ethics in politics
1.for eg: 43%
5. Legal deficits
1. difficult to detect collusive bribery
 Harms of Corruption

1. Matsanyaya: justice undermine

2. Individuals
1. Moral fabric of individuals will be weakened
2. Antyodaya will suffer most, for eg: PDS leakages
3. Organisation
1. Work culture
2. Social responsibility
3. Shareholder responsibility
4. Brand image, credibility, trust---- Volkswagen
4. Society
1. Quality of service delivery
2. Perpetuates poverty---27%
3. Aggravates inequality of Vulnerable sections
5. Governance
1. Good Governance
2. Distorts decision making
3. International level relations
1. Bofors
4. Undermines trust in public functionaries
1. Tinoo Joshi
6. Creates Internal security challenges
1. eg LWE Finance through black money

Several Forms of Corruption

1. Dereliction of duty
2. Moral corruption
3. Developmental role
4. Individual
1. cheating in an examination
5. Family------Honour killing----
6. Social Corruption
1. Communalism, cleavages, discrimination
7. Corruption---environmental exploitation
1. Noida Supertech Twin towers---
8. Sports---
1. doping,
2. Steve Smith and David Warner
9. Internationally
1. War
2. Information Warfare of Russia in Ukraine
3. Chilcot report
10. Russian involvement in USA elections

How to address corruption:

 1. Socialisation--- Awaken Citizens, Constitution classes
2. Organisation
1. Laws---PCA, WPA, training workers how to blow whistle
2. Emulate best practives--- Wipro/Infosys
3. Work culture----- trust building exercise Offsite
4. Integrity Helpline/ Integrity Pact/ Integrity Certificates
3. Society
1. Improving Governance
2. Digitisation
3. Developing Fraternity between people
4. Zero Tolerance for Corruption
5. Media, Movie promoting honesty-----
1. NAYAK--THE REAL HERO
2. SATYAGRAHA
3. RANG DE BASANTI
4. Civil Society Agitation
1. India against corruption---Anna Hazare
5. Role Modelling: Anna Hazare, Satyendra Dubey
6. Celebrity Messaging:
7.Governance
1.Efficient public service delivery
1.Odisha GPS tracking of food trucks
2.Cowin Portal
3.MO Sarkar
2.Computerisation of services
1.Train Tickets---IRCTC
2.Passport Seva

Conclusion: Justice Louis Brandeis: " Sunlight is the best

disinfectant"---- Therefore, RTI, Social Audit, Suo Moto
Disclosure, Zero Tolerance, Constitutional Morality.

————————

It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth

of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a
big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support
your answer with examples. (2014, 5b, 150 words, 10 marks)
Answer: Corruption often conjures up images of people getting rich. But in fact,
corruption’s connections to poverty are far more numerous and pervasive. The
links affect both individuals and businesses, and they run in both directions:
poverty invites corruption, while corruption deepens poverty. Corruption both
causes and thrives upon weaknesses in key economic, political and social
institutions.

Some basic causes are:

· Lack of Values – of integrity, dedication, spirt of public service in public life.
· Discretion and monopoly of government officials - for example corruption in
allocation of natural resources and giving licenses; dominance of public sector in
banking and other services.
· Crony capitalism - businessmen funding elections and then earning profits later;
Collusive corruption is rampant.
· No transparency and accountability - government reluctant to come up with Jan
Lokpal and trying to amend RTI.
· Low education and awareness among masses - people having no information
about their rights and powers; poor understanding of government procedures and
law.
· Corruption becoming a norm - it has become a part of culture and is no longer
regarded as wrong. Low-level officials themselves may have trouble earning an
honest living. In poor societies, they are often underpaid, when they are paid at
all, and must provide a stream of payments to patrons at higher levels. In such
settings, bribery, extortion and theft become matters of survival.
· Less probability of getting caught and long delay in judicial process
· Demand for action against corruption is weak; civil society not proactive
· No incentive for integrity and probity in public life - honest bureaucrats like
Ashok Khemka are punished instead of getting rewarded.
· Absence of ethical training.
· Lack of emotional intelligence in people to understand the socio-economic
consequence on the national and especially poor.
· Addictive nature and demonstration effect of corruption which leads to a chain
reaction.

One can say that rich people have less reasons to become corrupt. Relative
deprivation is a major cause rather than poverty.
14. “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”
Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (2019, 2b, 150 words, 10
marks)

Answer: Commission and omission of any act which is against public interest
can be regarded as corruption. Thus, non-performance of duty is dereliction of
one’s duty/responsibility or failure to fulfill the professional commitment. But
intention of public servant also plays a role in this regard.
When non-performance is a form of corruption:
If non-performance is due to erosion of values like dedication, commitment;
excessive negative emotion of greed; and attitude of disrespect for law etc., then
it can be said to be form of corruption – moral, ethical and legal.
Example:
· Expecting money for his/her responsibility, lethargic attitude or maintaining the
status-quo for favouring a person/party.
· Police officers do not register FIR so that crime records remain low in their
districts.
· A total of 225 Government officers are punished for non-performance during
2017-2018.
· Civil servants remaining neutral towards administrative corruption by others is
also a kind of corruption.
· SBI officials were alleged for their laxity in filing a plea seeking that Vijay
Mallya be barred from leaving the country.
When non-performance is not a form of corruption:
Non-performance of duty by a public servant is not a form of corruption, as it
may be due to lack of coordination, conflict of interest, lack of human power,
expertise and budget. Justice U. U. Lalit recused from Ayodhya case as he was
earlier associated with one of the parties.
· Suppose a woman is pregnant and there is absence of provision for work from
home. In such a case if there is lapse in performance of duty, then it cannot be
said to be form of corruption.
18
· Gautama Buddha has said, “The intention is more important than the action
itself”. As per Aristotle, there is no absolute moral standard. Any moral principle
must take ground reality into consideration.
· Thomas Aquinas has also maintained that a man can be held responsible only for
deliberate actions.
Hence non-performance will be form of corruption depending upon the cause of
non-performance.
The case presents an ethical dilemma whether to do an act of corruption to
advance the interest of the organisation or to safeguard personal and
organizational values and abide by the law.
i. Arguments for giving bribe to the officer for approving the tender.
a) Specialized products mean limited market for the product hence lower
substitution for leaving the government contract.
b) Giving bribe may lead to higher public good due to selection of high quality of
equipment and would be beneficial for my career and sustain employment, hence,
generating greater good.
c) Concerned officer is demanding bribe due to his discretionary power in
decision-making and the process itself is opaque and does not promote
accountability.
d) Moreover, due to specialized equipment, there is lower awareness in public
about the quality of equipment manufactured by different manufacturers.
ii. Arguments for not to give any bribe.
a) Gandhi ji’s concept of means over ends.
b) Corruption has -
19
! Addictive effect
! Demonstrative effect
! Domino effect
c) Culture of bribery develops, which will hamper efficient clearance system/
bidding/tender as a common good.
d) Satyamev Jayate, truth alone triumphs.
e) It is against my right to be treated equally by government.
f) Work culture, organizational values will be eroded.
g) Opportunity to improve the system, Kant’s categorical imperative.
h) John Rawl’s veil of ignorance – Tomorrow the corrupt practices may be
encouraged in our own organization/ bidding process.
i) Laws against bribery – Investigations in future will lead to penalization of all
involved in my company and may lead to blacklisting.
j) Integrity of the process will be destroyed. Common good will be eroded.
In such scenario, it is important that I listen to my conscience and do what is
ethically correct. There is procedure for grievance redressal and making the
officer do what is best for the organisation. I will take following action:
a) Conveying our zero-tolerance policy towards corruption to officer in strict
words
b) Submitting my quotation with all details of prices and quality.
c) I will make public the quality and specifications of our product so that there
will be pressure on officials to not choose an inferior product.
d) Let the officer take the decision
e) If he decides in favor of another company, then I will file an RTI asking on
what basis decision has been taken.
f) On basis of RTI, I will contact with the higher officials and will register my
complaint including a demand of getting a stay on the decision.
Though, it may take some time to get the matter solved, but it will surely be a
good development for the long term. Meanwhile, I can create brand awareness
about my product, which would ensure that non-selection of branded good would
not go unquestioned in public thus enforcing sort of social audit on the decision
making.
Citizen's Charter
 • Introduction

Hyderabad Urban Water supply

Department of Post
Taxpayer's Charter
8. Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable
examples. (2018, 1b, 150 words, 10 marks)
Answer: Both Code of ethics and Code of conduct are effective tools to regulate
the behaviour of public servants towards desired ends. Yet, they are different in
their content, approach and extent of coverage. Differences are mentioned in the
table given below:

Code of Ethics Code of Conduct

General values and principles that guide rather Specific procedures and guidelines in form of Do’s
than dictate. and Don’ts.
Eg: Integrity, basic guideline, left on bureaucrat Eg: not giving information to media without
government permission

Highly descriptive and abstract. Prescriptive and SPECIFIC, DISCIPLINARY.

Therefore, different meaning for different For eg: Cannot drink liquor In public
individuals

Universal, does not take into account cultural Contextual, takes into account specific situations.
considerations. Eg: Civil Servants can take part in politics in
For eg: equality and non-partisanship France, not in India

Difficult to enforce, Easy to Enforce,

Eg: Code of Ethics, Rajya Sabha—-Ethics Due to relatively Objective nature
Committee

No regular upgradation needed, Regular upgradation required

Eg: Secularism, Integrity Eg: Social media conduct rules upgradation—-All
India Service Conduct Rules 1968

One for all levels, Different for different levels, are required
Eg: Nolan Committee Principles

No ready made solutions Provide Quick Solutions in case of Emergency,

Eg: No comment on Social Media about politics
and government policies

2nd ARC, 10th report-Refurbishing of Personnel Administration——code of ethics and code of

conduct, to ensure public servants fulfil goals of Kautilya’s Good Governance, Lokasamagraha
of Shukla Yajurveda—-welfare of all/

9. Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd

Administrative Reforms Commission. (2016, 3b, 150 words, 10 marks)
Answer.2nd ARC has suggested a comprehensive Civil Service Code that can be
conceptualized at three levels.
1. At the apex level, there should be a clear and concise statement of the values
and ethical standards that a civil servant should imbibe. These values should
reflect public expectations from a civil servant with reference to political
impartiality, maintenance of highest ethical standards and accountability for
actions.

2. At the second level, the broad principles which should govern the behaviour
of a civil servant may be outlined. This would constitute the Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics should include: integrity, impartiality, commitment to
public service, open accountability, devotion to duty and exemplary behavior.

3. At the third level, there should be a specific Code of Conduct stipulating in a

precise and unambiguous manner, a list of acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour and actions.
The Commission has stated that the Code should be enforceable through strict
punishment and should be given a statutory backing by including it in the then
proposed Civil Services Bill.

Thus, the commission has given importance to both code of conduct and code of
ethics by integrating them thus neutralizing their limitations and uniting their
strengths. Government also has taken an initiative to introduce a comprehensive
code in all India services.
 Philosophical
Basis of
Governance and
Probity
1. Brazil: Bolsa
Familia-send
children to school-
payment
2. China: Office of
Conflict of Interest
3. Japan: Premium on
Punctuality
4. Nolan Principles
5. Amartya Sen:
Capability 6. Nudging, Emotional
Intelligence 7. Collab with PVT- Akshay
para-mid day meal
Probity in Governance
Honestyyy—-Integrity—-Probity
1. Maximalist approach unless Minimalist Approach
1. Ethical Pole Stars
2. Ease of Living
3. Ease of Doing Business
4. Reduces Corruption
5. Fulfills Citizen expectation
6. Legitimacy to Government decisions

Challenges:
1. Lack of ethical guidance
2. Premium on negative values
3. Lack of ethical training
4. Lack of ethical code of conduct
5. Poor Work Culture
1. Complacency, Hierarchy
6. Government——monopoly

Way Forward
1. Sonu Sood—-maintain all record
2. Audits
3. Golden hour—-accidents
4. Personal

4. What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the

difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be
overcome? (2014, 2b, 150 words, 10 marks)
Answer: Probity in public life means adherence to highest ethical standards by
all people in a society in their public life. It includes:
• · Having strong moral knowledge, which is in line with our constitution.
• · Decency in dealing with public.
• · Integrity
• · Strong positive emotions like dedication and compassion.
These standards are what safeguard the nation from corruption by politicians and
public officials who have been given almost unrestricted access to public
resources together with the power to take decisions that impact on the lives of
everyone and the nation as a whole.
Probity shall be shown not only by public servants but also by citizens, private
organizations and even civil society while dealing with public relations. A citizen
helping an accident victim is also an example of probity in public life.
The absence of integrity and probity in public life is manifested in corruption
which is a worldwide phenomenon. But its impact is strongest and most pervasive
in developing states like India. Difficulties in practicing probity are:
· Lack of ethical training due to which officials are not equipped to deal external
and internal corruption.
· Poor work culture.
· No incentive to adopt probity.
· Less accountability and transparency encourage corruption.
· Increased materialism in society
· Increasing consumerism
· Discretion encourages arbitrary behavior.
· Monopoly in products and services.
These difficulties can be overcome through:
· Value education
· Ethical training
· Transformational leadership
· Strong oversight through Parliament, law enforcement, independent media and a
vibrant civil society
9
· Decentralization and people empowerment
· Good governance
· Code of ethics and a sound work culture
· High level of tolerance and dedication
· Positive attitude and strong emotional intelligence
Thus, a comprehensive strategy is required to establish a system based on probity.
Public Servant and Public
Interest
1. What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the
expected role of a public servant. (2019, 1b, 150 words, 10 marks)
Answer: The term ‘public servant’ refers to those professionals who want to
achieve the public good above everything else in their work. As per UN
International Code of Conduct, it refers to those officials who acts as the
delegates of elected officials. The term also has the connotation that real power is
with people who are ‘masters’ and officials are always in their service.
The term is quite subjective. Its broader connotation includes all those who work
for public like politicians, judges, members of NGOs etc. Like PM Modi calls
himself the head servant of public. 6
However, as per section 21 of IPC, it includes all officials hired by government to
implement the policies formulated by the politicians. These officials like IAS
Officers, police, municipality worker etc., provide services to people at different
levels.

Expected role of public servants

1. Serving the people with dedication and commitment by implementing the
policies of government – while following the philosophy of Nishkama Karma
(self-less action)
2. Honesty and integrity in service – Taking responsibility for one’s action and
safeguarding the system from corruption and maintenance of probity.
3. Expression of public service values of empathy, compassion, tolerance etc. in
their job and hence reaching to the last person in society. Like Alex Paul Menon,
an IAS officer in Chhattisgarh who worked for the welfare of tribal people.
4. Impartial and non-partisan conduct, irrespective of one’s own ideology, giving
frank and fearless advice to the politician
5. Innovative solutions to socio-economic problems. Like SR Sankaran worked
for the abolition of bonded labour.
6. Ensuring quality public service delivery, like E. Sreedharan provided quality
public transport through Delhi Metro.
7. Optimum utilization of public resources.
8. Helping people during natural calamities like recent Kerala floods.
9. Act as role models for people through purified conduct in both personal and
public life.
10. Performing welfare functions through effective leadership. Like ex IAS
Officer, OP Chaudhary converted Dantewada (Naxalite area) into an education
hub.
In nutshell, public servants are expected to serve the people with the best of their
ability. Such discharge of duty will honour the social contract and help in
progress of society.

2. What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures
to be followed by the civil servants in public interest? (2018, 2a, 150 words,
10 marks)
Answer: Public interest is serving the needs and aspiration of people at large.
Any act of commission or omission which is done for the larger good of the
society is public interest. It is about working for peoples right as guaranteed by
the constitution. As per Thomas Hobbes, public interest is the obligation on ruler
under the social contract.
However, it is an abstract idea and different people can have different
interpretations of what constitutes public interest. Like enforcing AFSPA-1958
for law and order can be in public interest for some but for others, it is not.

Principles upholding public interest which must be followed by civil servants are
as follows:

1. Constitutional principles – provided under Preamble, Fundamental rights and

Directive Principle of State Policy to develop a just society, reduce inequality,
gender justice, and environmental conservation among others.
2. Code of Ethics – that has values of Justice, equality, fraternity etc.
3. Gandhian principles of ‘Sarvodaya’ (Welfare of all) and ‘Antyodaya
4. Other ethical principles – like ‘Common Good’ approach and ‘Utilitarianism’
in governance.

There are various sources of guidance for procedure to be followed by civil

servants –

1. Code of conduct – of civil services laid down the procedure to be followed. It

has mean values like objectivity, impartiality, non-partisanship etc. which must be
followed. It includes detailed procedures to be followed.
2. Rules, regulations, policies and Legislations – Important acts on public interest
like Prevention of corruption act, Money laundering act etc., regulate bureaucrats
to stay on the right path.
3. Procedure laid down by the courts – In absence of legislation, civil servants
must follow the procedure laid down by courts. Ex. – SIT on Black money, ban
on sale of alcohol on highways, Sabarimala judgment etc.
4. International conventions and guidance provided there in, e.g. – bribing foreign
officials under United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Public interest must be the essence of bureaucratic functioning, as it is the

objective for which bureaucracy has been created.
 Quality of Service Delivery

Introduction:

Quality of Service Delivery = P-E

When Performance exceeds Expectation

Conclusion:
Why is Quality of Service Delivery Important?

Challenges with Quality of Service Delivery:

1. Lack of dedication and public service values

1. 31000 pending appeals in RTI
2. High demand on state services

1. Resources
1. Fiscal Deficit = 6.4%
2. More than 1 lakh rural schools with single teacher
3. only 2% national highways
2. Corruption
1. Transparency Intl 85th Rank
3. Lack of Infrastructure
1. Only 2% of National Highways
2. Logistics cost 13-14%
4.
5.

Way Forward:

1. Service Guarantee
1. Right to Public Services Act, MP, Bihar, Punjab
2. Sevottam Model
1. Grievance redressal + CC + timely service delivery
3. Technology
1. CoWIN, UPI,
4. Involving experts
1. IIT Delhi checks PMGSY material
5. Efficiency Response
1. via DBT
2. Twitter Seva
6. Single window portal
1. eg Parivesh Portal
7. Transparency and Accountability---
1. RTI, Citizen charter, Social Audit
8. Meghalaya Social Audit Law

1. Involve Exports----eg: IIT Delhi involved for checking PMGSY material

2. PARIVESH Portal
3. RTI,

Conclusion
Gandhiji: A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, therefore quality service
delivery is the
11. “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”
-Bill Gates
Discuss in context of poor quality of service delivery by public organizations
in India. What steps can be taken in this regard? (150 words, 10 marks)
Answer: Service quality in mathematical term is P-E (performance – Expectation
of citizens). It has been usually seen that customer complaint channels in public
organizations are prohibitively awkward and just add to the customers feelings of
dissonance.

Even Second ARC has reflected on this issue and included it as one of the
components in its Seven Step Model towards Citizen Centricity.

Unhappy customers also have high expectations. This can be used as a feedback
mechanism for learning and improving the service. Many multi-national
companies’ rewards customers in form of reward points, coupons etc. for giving
honest feedback.

Following are some other reasons behind poor quality of services:

a) Lack of resources – developing countries has to simultaneously build social
infrastructure like education, skill development; physical infrastructure like roads,
airports, industries etc. and digital infrastructure.
b) Corruption - Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s famously remarked that
only 15 paisa of every rupee for welfare of the downtrodden reaches them.
c) Lack of infrastructure – Lack of connectivity and infrastructure, physical,
social and digital acts as bottle neck for delivery of various services like e-
education, e-health, e-commerce, direct benefit transfer etc.
d) Lack of dedication and public service values – Many professionals like
doctors, bankers, teachers etc. do not want to serve in remote areas.
e) Lack of awareness – of the mandate of service providers also leads to poor
quality of service.
f) Lack of empathy, compassion and service orientation towards people.
g) High level of demand and generally below par supply

Following are certain steps that can be taken to improve quality of service:

a) Development of infrastructure – Physical, social and digital.

b) Innovation – like project loon of Google, Aquila of Facebook, Whitespace of
Microsoft etc. to overcome the geographical and economical barrier.
c) Curbing corruption - making the provisions of Prevention of corruption act
more stringent. Using tools like social audit and RTI act.
d) Feedback mechanism - for continuous improvement of service is required
through platforms like mygov.in.
e) Awareness – about the mandate of service provider through citizen’s charter
and advertisement.
f) Use of ICT – in PDS, Direct benefit transfer, Digi locker etc.
g) Inculcating the value of public service – values of dedication for the service of
nation, empathy and compassion for poor and vulnerable must be inculcated in
public servants.
One must always remember the saying of Gandhi ji:
“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent
on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption on our work. He is the
purpose of it. He is not an outsider on our business. He is part of it. We are not
doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an
opportunity to do so.”
 Work Culture
Conclusion
ABCD--------ROAD
ABCD' culture (Avoid, Bypass, Confuse, and Delay) to
'ROAD' culture (Responsibility, Ownership, Accountability
and Discipline).

10. What are the different factors that can influence the work culture of an
organization. What has been done by the Government of India in last few
years, to improve work culture in public organizations? (150 words, 10
marks)

Answer: Work culture is a set of values in an organization which define and

shapes its employees and the environment
in the organization.

1.Democratic work culture:

2.No blame culture
3.Healthy interpersonal relations
4.Just work culture---ICC- POSH
5.Pleasant ---ergonomic chairs, clean toilets
 Multiple factors influence the culture
of organizations in a particular
society:

a) Society: Like our society is

arranged in vertical order and so does
our organizations. Gender
discrimination, lack of punctuality,
collectivist mentality, rules orientation
are few things which are found both in
Indian society as well as the
organizations in it.
b) Economy and market: Like an organization in a capitalist economy will give
more weightage to efficiency, profit, merit and competition.
c) Technology: like e-Governance can make organizations more flexible and
inter-connected. It can also lead to decentralization and participation of workers.
d) Nature of employees: if employees are lazy, inefficient and short term
oriented, then authoritarian management style works better than democratic style.
The bureaucratic mindset and Work culture prevailing in Indian government has
been a major hurdle in effective functioning.
 The present government has tried to reform it through
certain measures:

'ABCD' culture (Avoid, Bypass,

· Moving from
Confuse, and Delay) to 'ROAD' culture
(Responsibility, Ownership, Accountability and
Discipline).

1. Strict instruction to reduce pending work

1. eg: no file to remain beyond particular time
2. Biometric attendance system
3. Cabinet Secretary Circular
1. Identify and repeal at least 10 redundant rules
4. Departments asked to identify forms and shorten them
1. discourage taking irrelevant information
5. Foreign trips under scrutiny
1. Submit outcome reports
6. Dashboard for Key perfomance indicators
1. Jal Shakti Mission
7. 360 degree feedback mechanism
8. Creche in Parliament premises
9. Digital India:
1. E-office
2. Faceless Appeal
10. Citizen Charter
11. Sevottam Model
12. RTI
13. Social Audit