Explain any five forms of corruption identified by the Central Vigilance Commission.

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Points to Remember:

  • Five forms of corruption identified by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
  • Examples of each form.
  • Impact of each form on governance and society.

Introduction:

Corruption, the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, significantly undermines good governance, economic development, and social justice. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), India’s apex anti-corruption body, plays a crucial role in preventing and detecting corruption within the government. While the CVC doesn’t provide an exhaustive, numbered list of “forms” of corruption, its work focuses on various manifestations. This response will identify five prevalent forms based on the CVC’s activities and reports, focusing on their nature and impact. The approach will be factual, drawing upon publicly available information regarding CVC activities and general understanding of corruption typologies.

Body:

1. Bribery: This is the most common form of corruption, involving the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value to influence a decision or action. It can range from small-scale petty bribery to large-scale systemic bribery involving significant sums of money or other benefits. For example, a bribe to a government official to expedite a building permit or to secure a contract is a clear case of bribery. The CVC frequently investigates cases involving bribery in procurement processes and public works projects.

2. Embezzlement: This involves the misappropriation or theft of funds or assets entrusted to an individual or organization. Government officials may embezzle public funds for personal gain, often through fraudulent accounting practices or creating shell companies. The CVC’s investigations often uncover instances of embezzlement in government departments and public sector undertakings. For example, diverting funds allocated for a social welfare scheme to personal accounts constitutes embezzlement.

3. Nepotism and Favoritism: This involves showing undue favoritism towards relatives or friends in matters of employment, promotion, or awarding contracts. This undermines meritocracy and fairness, leading to inefficiency and dissatisfaction. The CVC has investigated cases where appointments or promotions were made based on personal relationships rather than merit. This can manifest in biased selection processes, preferential treatment in awarding contracts, or overlooking qualified candidates.

4. Extortion: This involves the illegal extraction of money or other benefits from individuals or organizations under duress or threat. Government officials may use their position to extort bribes or other favors from citizens or businesses. For instance, a police officer demanding a bribe to avoid arresting someone or a tax official threatening penalties unless a bribe is paid are examples of extortion. The CVC’s work often involves investigating complaints related to extortion by government officials.

5. Collusion and Conspiracy: This involves secret cooperation between individuals or organizations to commit illegal acts for mutual benefit. This can include collusion between government officials and private companies to rig bids, manipulate contracts, or evade taxes. The CVC investigates cases of collusion, often involving complex networks of individuals and organizations working together to defraud the government or public. For example, a conspiracy between a government official and a contractor to inflate the cost of a project and share the profits is a clear case of collusion.

Conclusion:

The five forms of corruption discussed – bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, extortion, and collusion – represent a significant challenge to good governance and societal well-being in India. The CVC plays a vital role in combating these, but its effectiveness depends on robust institutional mechanisms, increased transparency, and citizen participation. A way forward involves strengthening the CVC’s investigative powers, enhancing whistleblower protection, promoting ethical conduct through training and awareness programs, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within government institutions. By addressing these forms of corruption effectively, India can move towards a more just, equitable, and prosperous society, upholding the constitutional values of transparency, accountability, and fairness.

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