Corruption
Corruption refers to any of improper acts performed by a person holding certain public post, against the moral and legal responsibility of his authority. It is thus a dishonest use of power. Misdeeds such as bribery, embezzlement, favourism and forgery
are some common forms of corruption. In poorer countries corruption is often high. It has serious impacts on social harmony as well as developmental processes.Corruption is now a worldwide problem. Annually
Transparency International makes measurement of corruption level worldwide. Its index is known as Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which is expressed in the number between 1 and 10. Number 5 is the mean so that the countries with higher values are considered those with corruption at its problematic level.
Corruption brings serious social disharmony. Those who misuse their power or bribe those in power may progress overnight. Then they boast upon their power and money. Extravagance grows in their celebrations and ritual observations. They can lead a highly luxurious life. This brings pressure on the life of ordinary citizens. Besides, service provision is poor, public funds are embezzled and development activities remain obstructed due the same evil of corruption. Democracy is simply foiled by high level of corruption.
Nepal is among the countries with high competition level. According to a survey, corruption is the first problem of the country, unemployment being the second. Lack of transparency, poverty and low salary, and unaware public can be cited as the major causes behind it. When there is no system of keeping decisions and implementations transparent, power holders tend to misuse their power. When economic condition is poor and remuneration is low, they cannot maintain their standard and for this they have to find other sources of income, even indecent, illegal and unauthorized ones. Similarly, when power is centralized a person in power is more likely to be corrupt. Lack of strong and well-organized civil societies also encourages corruption.
Because corruption is a political, social and a serious social problem, we should work towards uprooting it. The role of the government is very vital in this regard. When the government is committed for public welfare and strives for the same, corruption control gets a top priority. If corruption is a social and political crime, criminals should be penalized strictly. In China corruption is controlled remarkably due to strict laws one proved guilty can even be executed there. Good governance and political stability are essential for transparency and accountability that help curb corruption. Moreover, strong and well-organized civil societies are required to watchdog the follies and mistakes of the people in power. They also make people alert so that they can raise voice against corruption related evils such as bribery and service delay.
When lifestyle becomes heavily luxurious, people are under psychological pressure of trying to maintain the same. So avoidance of extra-luxury can discourage them from trying to earn through illegal and immoral means. Our commission of the Investigation of Abuse and Authority which has been set for controlling corruption behaviour should be made more resourceful and efficient. Well-organized civil societies can always force the government to be accountable and work in favour of public welfare. Awareness and publicity among ruled and rulers can prepare everyone concerned to contribute to the campaign of corruption control. The public should also be united to boycott corrupt officials.
0 Comments