Q12. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.

Model Answer:

Introduction

India’s low rank in Transparency International's integrity index reflects deep-rooted corruption influenced by legal, political, social, and cultural factors.

Body

Legal Factors

1. Weak Anti-Corruption Laws: India’s legal framework to combat corruption is outdated, and existing anti-corruption laws lack effective enforcement. Acts like the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988) face challenges in dealing with modern forms of corruption.
   1. For Example, The Commonwealth Games 2010 scandal highlighted how legal loopholes were exploited for embezzlement and irregularities, leading to weak convictions.
2. Delays in Judicial Process: India's judicial system is slow, causing delays in corruption cases, which often drag on for years without resolution. This reduces the deterrence effect of the legal framework.
   1. For Example, The 2G Spectrum Scam case, initiated in 2008, saw years of delay before a verdict was given in 2017, reducing the immediate impact of accountability.
3. Limited Whistleblower Protections: Although India has the Whistleblowers Protection Act (2014), it lacks full implementation, and whistleblowers face intimidation and violence.
   1. For Example, The murder of whistleblower Satyendra Dubey in 2003, who exposed corruption in the National Highway project, highlighted the risks of exposing corruption. 

Political Factors

1. Politicization of Institutions: Public institutions are often politicized, with appointees chosen for political loyalty rather than merit, eroding the independence needed to check corruption.
   1. For Example, The appointment of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) heads is often criticized for political interference, weakening its role as an independent body.
2. Electoral Corruption: Election campaigns require large funds, and political parties often engage in corrupt practices like bribery or laundering money to finance their campaigns.
   1. For Example, The infamous case of voter bribery in Tamil Nadu elections illustrates how politicians distribute cash and goods to sway voters, fueling corrupt practices.
3. Weak Political Accountability: Politicians often lack accountability due to opaque processes and a lack of transparency in party funding, which leads to unchecked corruption.
   1. For Example: The Panama Papers leak exposed how Indian politicians held unaccounted wealth offshore, without repercussions.
4. Coalition Politics and Horse Trading: Coalition governments sometimes engage in corrupt practices like horse trading to secure a majority, leading to erosion in political ethics.
   1. For Example: In Karnataka, multiple instances of MLAs being bribed to switch allegiances have weakened public faith in the political process.

Social Factors

1. Public Apathy: Many citizens view corruption as an inevitable part of daily life, leading to tolerance of corrupt practices.
   1. For Example: In rural India, bribes for essential services such as land registration are so normalized that citizens rarely question these practices.
2. Lack of Civic Education: The absence of widespread civic education on ethics and anti-corruption laws limits public awareness and accountability.
   1. For Example: Despite the Right to Information (RTI) Act, many rural communities are unaware of how to use it to hold officials accountable.
3. Cultural Acceptance of Corruption: In some cases, giving and taking bribes is seen as a part of cultural practices, especially when navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
   1. For Example, The Delhi Water Tanker Scam revealed how bribes were commonly accepted to bypass municipal systems, reflecting a cultural norm. 

Conclusion

Addressing India’s declining public morality requires comprehensive reforms across legal, political, social, and cultural domains to restore accountability and integrity.  

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