THE CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 2024: A GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
Imagine a world in which every government and organization functions with total accountability, openness, and efficiency, where political leaders prioritize the welfare of the citizens of their country and the rule of law is strictly enforced. In such a society, corruption would probably only have been in the past, there would be no practices that encourage dishonesty, bribery, and people would have had perfect faith in their leaders.
This utopian vision is very different from the reality that exists now. Here comes the Corruption Perception Index(CPI), developed by Transparency International, which provides global ranking of public sector corruption.
Let’s explore how this index works, its importance and how it reflects the ongoing struggle to improve governance across the globe.
What is the Corruption Perception Index(CPI)?
The CPI is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world. It measures the level of corruption in the public sector of the countries. Each country was provided with a score on the scale of 0(highly corrupt) to 100(very clean).
Recently, the 2024 CPI has been released showing that:
The score was below 50 for more than two-thirds of the countries.
The global average score of 43 is still maintained, replicating that most of the countries have made little or no progress in tackling public sector corruption.
Out of 180 countries 32 countries have slightly reduced their corruption levels, however 148 countries have stayed stagnant or worsened during the past decade.
India was ranked 96, as the overall score was 38, a slight decrease from 39 in 2023. In 2023, India was ranked 93.
How the CPI score is calculated:
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score is calculated using data from 13 corruption surveys and assessments, including those from the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. It measures perceptions of corruption within a country, including bribery, misuse of public funds, government control, bureaucratic red tape, nepotistic appointments, transparency, whistleblower protection, and government information access.
While the CPI provides a crucial overview, it does not measure aspects like tax fraud, money laundering, illegal financial flows, or corruption in the private sector.
New Zealand being a role model to battle Corruption:
New Zealand has strong anti-corruption laws, and the private sector plays a vital role in maintaining this high degree of integrity. Businesses must cultivate a zero-tolerance culture with robust compliance systems and clear anti-corruption policies. These measures apply to organizations of all sizes, even smaller enterprises. To foster a society with minimal corruption, New Zealand has adopted an array of policies.
The New Zealand government employs a multi-faceted approach to combat corruption, targeting both public and private sectors. It emphasizes understanding and compliance with local laws in the regions where businesses operate. The legislation criminalizes bribery and corruption, challenging the notion that corruption is confined to the public sector.
Since its creation in 1990, the Serious Fraud Office is the principal independent government agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious financial crimes. The International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre was then launched in 2017 to provide further support for investigations and capacity building.
Through New Zealand’s robust policies against corruption, the country as a whole consistently ranks within the top 3 countries in the world perceived to have a “clean” public sector, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Additionally, New Zealand ranks within the top 10 according to citizens’ perception of the rule of law.
What India can follow through from New Zealand’s Anti-Corruption approach:
India can draw valuable lessons from New Zealand's approach to combating corruption. New Zealand consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries globally, largely due to its robust institutional frameworks, transparency in governance, and a strong emphasis on accountability. The effectiveness of New Zealand's anti-corruption measures can be attributed to its commitment to ethical standards and the active involvement of civil society in monitoring government actions.
Furthermore, New Zealand's emphasis on public trust and integrity within its political system serves as a model for India. By fostering a culture of openness and encouraging citizen engagement, New Zealand has successfully mitigated corruption risks. India could benefit from adopting similar strategies, focusing on enhancing transparency, strengthening legal frameworks, and promoting civic participation to create a more accountable governance structure.
CHALLENGES:
▪ Lack of Transparency: A lack of transparency in government processes, decision-making, and public administration provides fertile ground for corrupt practices. When actions and decisions are shielded from public scrutiny, officials may engage in corrupt activities with reduced fear of exposure.
▪ Weak Institutions and ineffective legal frameworks: Many of India's institutions responsible for enforcing laws and regulations are either weak or compromised. This includes law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and oversight bodies. Weak institutions can fail to hold corrupt individuals accountable and may even facilitate corruption.
▪ Bureaucratic Red Tape: Lengthy and convoluted bureaucratic procedures and excessive regulations can drive individuals and businesses to engage in corrupt practices to expedite processes or bypass obstacles.
▪ Political Interference: Political interference in administrative matters can compromise the autonomy of government institutions. Political leaders may pressure officials to engage in corrupt activities for personal or party gain.
▪ Lack of Whistleblower Protection: Inadequate protection for whistleblowers can deter individuals from reporting corruption. The fear of retaliation can silence potential whistleblowers and allow corruption to thrive.
▪ Social Inequality: Social and economic disparities can contribute to corruption, as individuals with wealth and power may use their influence to secure preferential treatment and engage in corrupt practices without repercussions.
Measures Taken to Curb Corruption in India:
India has undertaken multiple initiatives to address corruption:
1. Legislative Measures: Laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988) and Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) define corruption and establish penalties.
2. Institutional Measures: Several institutions and bodies like Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) have been established to investigate and curb corruption.
3. Technological Measures: Digital governance, online services, and e-payments reduce direct human intervention, limiting bribery opportunities.
4. Social Audit: Social audits allow public participation and oversight in the implementation of government programs, which helps in detecting corruption and ensuring accountability.
5. Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Measures like the Right to Information Act have empowered citizens to seek information from government departments, holding the government accountable.
While these measures have had varying degrees of success, eradicating corruption requires continuous political will, stringent enforcement, and citizen participation
Conclusion
Corruption continues to hinder governance, business, and daily life, diverting crucial resources from essential services. Despite multiple reforms, weak enforcement and lack of accountability slow progress. A cultural shift towards transparency and ethical governance is essential. With collective efforts from citizens, officials, and organizations, India can move towards a more transparent and corruption-free society.
References:
https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2024/index/gbr
https://www.transparency.org/en/news/how-cpi-scores-are-calculated
https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper4/corruption-in-india
https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/corruption
https://www.bloombergneweconomy.com/news/new-zealands-robust-policies-against-corruption/
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