Out of 180 countries, the nation dropped eight spots, from 85 in 2022 to 93 in 2023. On a scale of 100, its overall score has decreased from 40 to 39. With nations like Kazakhstan and Lesotho, India is ranked in the highly corrupt category based on the score.
Somalia is ranked last and Denmark is ranked first on the list of least corrupt countries. Armed conflict and civil unrest plague the majority of nations near the bottom of the scale. India is one of the more corrupt nations even if it enjoys relative peace. The misuse of authority for personal benefit is what the CPI refers to as corruption. Being one of the more than two-thirds of nations with a score below 50 out of 100 is an insult.
In the nation, corruption is a common occurrence, and the majority of people do not believe that public servants, including politicians and bureaucrats, are acting any better. It is a fact that the wealthy and powerful are above the law and cannot be held accountable for their actions under the current anti-corruption regulations. Most often, albeit very sometimes, middle and lower level officials are apprehended.
Source: Civilsdaily
Many people use corrupt methods to escape after being apprehended. Large sums of money from unidentified contributors are used to influence elections, making them a breeding ground for corruption. Once the election is won, the money needs to be retrieved—this time via unethical means. Large sums of money are used to form and overthrow governments, and all of that cash feeds the corrupt system.
Opponents and individuals on the wrong side of the government are the targets of selectively implemented anti-corruption measures. Anti-corruption initiatives are worthless if they are not credible. Corruption is encouraged when one may purchase immunity by siding with the powerful.
Source: Transparency International
According to Transparency International, public officials are less accountable as a result of the deterioration of the legal systems. Justice is undermined by both democratic and authoritarian governments, and bribery and power abuse have even reached the legal system.
It has been observed that India’s public space is becoming more constrained, endangering fundamental rights. One such hazard that it has mentioned is the passing of the Telecommunications Bill. It has also been observed that attacks on press freedom and other liberties, along with the suppression of civil society, erode accountability and openness. Transparency is the best defence against corruption, yet it is severely lacking in political parties, government agencies, and other organisations.
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