Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is known for his blunt remarks and straightforward personality, especially when it comes to government. In a recent event which was held in Pune for Engineer’s Day, he spoke about corruption in the bureaucracy. Gadkari said files move much faster in our system when bribery is involved. His comments helped understand the existing problems regarding corruption that slow down the functioning of the government.
Gadkari also said that if even potholes have to be filled on the roads, an order from the boss is required. But as soon as they are given money for the work it will be done quickly.
Later on, he stated that Babus (referring to government officials) loves pending files as a person loves his wife.
Real- World Examples
During elections, every politician is busy campaigning, but the real question is what happens during the campaigns?
Politicians pay their voters or provide them with household materials. But, mostly it is liquor that is given to the addicted so they’ll vote the candidate.
Telgi scam | Rs 200 billion | Key accused: Abdul Karim Telgi
The mastermind behind a multi-crore counterfeit stamp paper scam that surfaced in 2002, Abdul Karim Telgi, is honored in the name of this scam. To sell stamp papers to banks, insurance companies, and stock brokerage firms, Telgi had appointed 350 fictitious agents.
Twelve states were affected by the scam, which allegedly involved $200 billion. In the case, several police officers were also connected. Telgi was accused of bribing multiple police officers to prevent them from looking into allegations against him.
The police investigation found that several government agencies that were involved in the creation and distribution of high-security stamps supported Telgi. He and a few of his associates received sentences of 30 years rigorous imprisonment in January of 2006. Telgi passed away on October 23, 2017, in Bengaluru from multiple organ failure.
Corruption is one of the biggest problems that has plagued India for many years. The failure to meet deadlines in service, government policies, or education sector are some causes of corruption.
The Price of Progress
One cannot deny the phrase “money talks” in India. There is always the need to use money to entice employees to perform even the simplest of tasks in a particular organization. It ranges from getting birth certificates to procuring government approvals for different projects. This financial cost thus leads to delays in work. Officials would rather opt for bribes than do their work efficiently.
Education: A Corrupted System
In colleges or schools’ bribery is done under the donation. The more donations you give better the chances of getting admission to institutions. The deserving students, who have put their effort and time, and performed well academically are left stranded due to insufficient funds. Further, it is not a meritocratic system but it reproduces social injustices, depriving talented people of their rightful chances.
A scam revealed that Om Prakash Jogender Singh (OPJS) institution, a private institution headquartered in Churu, Rajasthan, has been accused of awarding an astounding 43,409 bogus degrees since its founding in 2013. According to a state special operation force probing the situation, these fake diplomas were distributed in 19 Indian states, including Rajasthan, and the neighboring nation of Nepal.
Influence of Donation
It is observable that in most notable schools, fat checks are the price one has to pay for a seat in a classroom. These payments can be in the form of big amounts down to casually demanded charges that push away those who cannot afford the fees. Consequently, today’s universities and colleges, which should be preparing society for future leaders and visionaries, are maintaining the culture of the elite spoilt brats instead. This not only defeats the purpose of allowing deserving students an opportunity, but it also lowers the standards of the institutions since those who perform well in their tests are overshadowed.
Political Patronage and Corruption
Elected political leaders and politicians also cause the problem by supporting or even tolerating corrupt acts. The commendation of such leaders often hinges on their ability to navigate the murky waters of bribery and favoritism. Then there are those instances where a politician will use his/her power to employ relatives, friends, or fellow politicians into key positions. This political interference not only prolongs the rate at which such projects are implemented but also puts every one of them under a cloak of accountability.
In 2018, there was a major banking scam in Punjab National Bank of INR 14,000 crore by Jeweler Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi. Concerns regarding the integrity of banking procedures and regulatory supervision were brought up by the scam. Many politicians were charged for neglecting this issue, which led to the examination of India’s banking sector.
The Impact on Ordinary Citizens
According to the results, in the case of corruption for an ordinary citizen, the consequences are very severe. The common people, businessmen, and anyone who lacks the required amount of money required in bribery usually suffer a lot. In every aspect of the governmental system, be it to obtain permits, get access to governmental services, or engage in community projects those who lack financial means are stuck and cannot proceed with their plans.
It remains to be understood, that corruption in India is not merely an issue to do with unethical practices, but the reality is corruption has its roots carved deep into the systemic problems in the country today. This comes at the backdrop of bribes and donations thus making it common to experience a slow and unproductive system ranging from education to basic governance.
Diksha Nayyar is a versatile writer with a passion for creating engaging and insightful articles on a wide range of topics. With a background in Journalism, she brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality content. Diksha has written extensively about health, social issues and technology, aiming to inform and inspire readers. Outside of writing, she enjoys trying out new restaurants and playing with dogs.
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