Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, resulting in distortion of justice, fairness and public interest.
Corruption as the manifestation of failure of core values
Decline of responsibility
Weak public spirit
Normalization of unethical behaviour (sanskritization)
Loss of respect for law
Materialism over morality
Breakdown of accountability
Greed over Contentment
Loss of Professional Ethics
Materialism over Spirituality/Humanism
Measures to uplift core values in society
Value-based education – Ethics and civic education in schools.
Family and community socialisation – Teaching honesty at home.
Media responsibility – Highlighting integrity stories, not just scandals.
Reward ethical behaviour – Public recognition of whistleblowers.
Transparent governance – Eg- DBT has saved over 3.5 lakh Cr of government
Civic participation – Social audits and RTI activism.
Cultural reinforcement – Films and literature celebrating moral courage.
Swift and certain punishment under Prevention of Corruption Act and Fast-track courts to end the “culture of impunity.”
Utilizing spiritual leaders to preach “Aparigraha” (non-attachment) and “Asteya” (non-stealing).
Breaking politician-bureaucrat-civil servant nexus (Vohra committee)
Transparency in political funding
Civil services board for transparent postings and transfers
By fostering integrity, empathy, and public spirit, we can move from a society of “Rules” to a society of “Character,” where corruption finds no soil to take root.