Essay: Corruption

Corruption

• Introduction: a common phenomenon; main cause.
• Effects of corruption on society: People, Govt, good values.
• Factors that contribute the corruption: Seven factors.
• Remedies: Complete change in society; Revision of pay scale, or change of Government not enough: Four steps.

Today corruption is almost a world phenomenon. It is, in fact, a universal problem, having existed in all ages, It has clung to mankind like an incurable disease, In a free and competitive society, incestment of capital can yield only reasonable returns in the long run. But corruption or acceptance o fbribes promises a rapid changes in financial conditions. Orginally the Police and P.W.D were notoriouse for corruption but now this evil has spread to almost every department of the Government. Even courts of justice and education are no exceptions.
Prevalence of corruption has created disappointment and discontent among the community. The machinery of Government gets rusted and ceases to work in the intended manner. Corruption decreases respect for law and sense of allegiance to the Government. In a society governed by corrupt officials, the whole system of moral, ethical and religious values is impaired. The distinction between right and wrong disappears. Revolutions and military take-over become common. Every student of history knows that one of the causes of the downfall of nations has been corruption. In his famous book "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire"

Gibbon has stated that as long as there were even two per cent honest men in the Roman administration, the Empire lingered on.
The factors that contribute to the prevalence of corruption differ from country to country. Those that are common in most countries including Pakistan are seven. First, general economic condition of the country is poor and everyone tries to feather his nest. Second, the rates of remuneration of public functionaries are low, and they are tempted to accept bribes. Third, the general price level and the standard of living are very high: honest means of a person fail him. Fourth, social conditions and customs demand lavish expenditure of money. Fifth, there exists no strong opinion against corruption; it has been accepted as a common thing. Sixth, laws confer on the public servants vast powers and discretions, they take undue advantage of that. Lastly, there are no adequate means to prevent corruption or bring the offenders to book.
To root out corruption, a complete change of the political, social and economic system is necessary. No revision of pay scales, however liberal, can reduce corruption. The reason is that the wealth targets aimed at by corrupt officials are very high. Similarly, a mere change in Government has to rely on perment services for its day to day administration. Unless the motive for corruption is removed, corruption will continue.
Four steps, however, may be of some use. First, wide discretionary powers should be taken away from individual officials. Second, Anti-corruption Department should be made more effective. Third, the minds of the people should be changed by the prevalence of moral values. Last, the punishment for corruption should be more exemplary.