“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

Corruption is not merely a legal or administrative problem; it reflects the erosion of core societal values such as honesty, integrity, accountability, compassion and public spirit. When greed, selfishness and materialism dominate over ethical conduct, corruption becomes normalised in society.

Ways in which corruption reflects failure of core values

• Failure of Integrity: Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
• A public servant accepting a bribe compromises moral principles for personal benefit.
  • Example: A government engineer approving substandard construction material in exchange for money.

Thus, corruption is the direct opposite of integrity.

• Failure of Honesty: Corruption often involves deception, concealment and lies.
• Fake invoices, forged documents and false reporting are forms of corruption.
  • Example: The Satyam scam involved falsification of company accounts.

Dishonesty creates an environment where corruption flourishes.

• Failure of Public Service Values: Public office is a public trust.
• When officials use authority for personal gain instead of public welfare, they betray this trust.
  • Example: Diversion of funds meant for rural development projects.

Corruption occurs when service orientation is replaced by selfishness.

• Failure of Accountability: Accountability requires individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
• Corrupt persons often avoid transparency and oversight.
  • Example: Manipulating procurement processes to favour certain contractors.

Lack of accountability creates fertile ground for corruption.

• Failure of Justice and Fairness: Corruption creates unequal opportunities.
• Benefits go to those who can pay rather than those who deserve them.
  • Example: Bribes in recruitment processes deny opportunities to deserving candidates.

Corruption undermines social justice and equality.

• Failure of Social Ethics: When society begins to tolerate unethical shortcuts, corruption becomes normalized.
• Statements such as "nothing gets done without money" indicate collective ethical decline.
  • Example: Routine payment of bribes for obtaining licences or certificates.

Social acceptance of unethical behaviour strengthens corruption.

• Failure of Constitutional Morality: The Constitution is based on values of equality, justice and rule of law.
• Corruption violates these principles by creating arbitrary and unfair systems.
  • Example: Political corruption leading to misuse of public resources for electoral gains.

Corruption weakens democratic institutions and constitutional governance.

Measures to uplift core values in society:

• Value-based education
• Ethical and moral education should be integrated into school and college curricula.
• Teach values such as honesty, empathy, discipline and constitutional morality.
  • Example: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises valuebased and experiential learning.
• Strengthening family and social institutions
• Family is the first school of ethics.
• Parents and community leaders should promote honesty, respect and social responsibility through conduct.
  • Example: Mahatma Gandhi’s values of truth and simplicity were deeply influenced by family upbringing.
• Ethical leadership and role models
• Public leaders, civil servants, teachers and celebrities should demonstrate integrity in public life.
• Ethical leadership inspires citizens to follow lawful conduct.
  • Example: Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered for honesty and simplicity in public life.
• Transparency and accountability in governance
• Strong institutions reduce opportunities for corruption.
• Measures like e-governance, social audits and RTI increase accountability.
  • Example: Digital Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) reduced leakages in welfare schemes.
• Strict enforcement of laws
• Effective anti-corruption agencies and speedy punishment create deterrence.
• Laws should apply equally irrespective of status.
  • Example: Lokpal and vigilance mechanisms help strengthen institutional integrity.
• Promoting civic sense and public participation
• Citizens must actively oppose unethical practices such as bribery and favouritism.
• Social pressure can discourage corrupt behaviour.
• Example from Uttar Pradesh: Community monitoring in MGNREGA works improved transparency in several districts.
• Media and awareness campaigns
• Responsible media can expose corruption and promote ethical awareness.
• Films, social campaigns and digital platforms can shape public morality.
  • Example: “Swachh Bharat Mission” successfully used behavioural change campaigns to influence public conduct.
• Spiritual and cultural reinforcement
• Indian philosophical traditions emphasise truth, duty and self-restraint.
• Teachings from the Gita, Buddhism and Jainism promote ethical living.
  • Example: Gandhian principle of “Sarvodaya” encourages service above self-interest.
• Corporate ethics and professional integrity
• Organisations should adopt ethical codes, whistleblower protection and integrity audits.
  • Example: Corporate governance reforms after scams like Satyam strengthened accountability mechanisms.

Corruption can be controlled not only through laws but through moral regeneration of society. A society guided by integrity, empathy and accountability creates ethical citizens and honest institutions. Therefore, nurturing core values through education, leadership, governance reforms and social awareness is essential for building a transparent and corruption-free India.