Written By Rehaan Maniyar (Grade 10)
Any form of illegal criminal activity may be referred to as corruption. Corruption is the misuse of public power for private gain. The word corruption has become very common in the recent times.
Types of corruption
Corruption is of many types.
- Bribery: Bribing people for one’s profit or gain
- Frauds: such as Cyber Crimes, stealing of money online
- Blackmail: Threatening people with their private, sensitive information
- Extortion: Obtaining money through illegal and unpleasant means
- Theft etc.
Causes of Corruption
The causes of corruption differ from place to place, person to person, country to country. Something considered corruption or illegal activity might not be considered the same in a different country. Common reasons for corruption are poverty, lack of education, negative influence, religion etc.
But these factors are a part of the main cause behind corruption. The major causes for corruption are political and economical environment, habits and traditions.
Political and Economical Environment
Corruption is strongly influenced by the political and economic environment. Politicians use their power in their favour. Strong powers exercise power and get things done for their benefit.
Effects of Corruption on Society
Corruption undermines the Sustainable Development goals of a nation. Corruption leads to economic loss and inefficiency which leads to instability in the country. It also leads to poverty and inequality in society. Poverty might lead to involvement in criminal activities like terrorism.
Solutions to control corruption
Corruption can easily be controlled by imposing stricter laws in order to regulate the citizens. A code of conduct might help in such situations to control corruption. The public sector must be honest and transparent. The Government officials must be accountable and their jobs must be supervised. Digitalization can help in managing and running the government smoothly and without corruption. E-Governance can be introduced to have an account of the jobs done by officials. Most important of all, social awareness must be spread regarding the demerits or bad impacts of corruption in our lives.
Above all, the feeling of ending corruption in our country must rise in each and every citizen’s mind in order to end corruption. By doing this, the citizens are actively participating in the contribution of the nation’s development.
“CORRUPTION IS A CANCER, A CANCER THAT EATS AWAY AT A CITIZEN’S FAITH IN DEMOCRACY AND DIMINISHES THE INSTINCT FOR INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY”
Featured Image Courtesy – Freepik
