International Anti-Corruption Day is being observed on December 9. Here, I reproduce my article earlier published in a news portal.
When examined at the global level, there seems to be a general consensus among most academics that there is a debilitating influence of corruption in all aspects of public life. Taking cues from several studies on corruption worldwide even.
According to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) of India has underscored the fact that corruption not only stifles growth, it also perpetuates inequalities, deepens poverty, causes human suffering, dilutes the fight against terrorism and organised crime, and tarnishes India’s image globally. “The impact of corruption is multi-fold, encompassing: political costs, economic costs, social costs, environmental costs and issues of national security,” says a CVC document.
While discussing about corruption Transparency International says that corruption can take many forms that vary in degree from the minor use of influence to institutionalized bribery. Transparency International's definition of corruption is "the abuse of entrusted power for private gain". This definition implies that corruption can mean not only financial gain but also non-financial advantages.
Generally, corruption is referred to as the abuse of power for private gain. For example, the Malawi Corrupt Practices Act defines corrupt practice as:
a) Offering, giving, receiving, obtaining or soliciting of any advantage to influence the action of any public officer or any official or any other person in the discharge of the duties of that public officer, of official or other person;
b) Influence peddling;
c) Extortion of any advantage
Fred Schenkelaars defines corruption thus:“Corruption is the misuse of entrusted power including peddling influence, for private gain and entails, in its essence, non-compliance with the relevant rules of good governance, accountability, integrity, ethics, propriety and legislation, as citizens usually should adhere to in any society”
Anti-corruption movements and campaigns are designed to eradicate or prevent dishonest or fraudulent conduct, especially in a political context.
The UN Global Compact suggests to participants to consider the following three elements when fighting corruption.
Internal: As a first and basic step, introduce anti-corruption policies and programs within organizations and their business operations;
External: Report on the work against corruption in the annual Communication on Progress; and share experiences and best practices through the submission of examples and case stories;
Collective: Join forces with industry peers and with other stakeholders
Suggesting a holistic approach to eradicate corruption and prevent corruption, CVC suggests a renewed emphasis on the value of integrity thus: "For integrity to become embedded in public life, it is important that India shifts from this punitive approach to a more holistic preventive and participatory approach. Moreover, a tendency has set in where the fight against corruption is seen as the job of a few anti-corruption agencies, whereas in reality it is the responsibility of every citizen and organisation."
Earlier published: 08-Dec-2012 04:53:14 Source: Dr. Lalit Kishore in mynews.in[1]
[1] Portal has been closed down
Comments