NCJ Number
95625
Journal
Social Defence Volume: 18 Issue: 70 Dated: (October 1982) Pages: 15-32
Date Published
1982
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The prevalence of public corruption in India is noted, and some of its more conspicuous forms are discussed, including bribery, extortion, secret commission, and tips.
Abstract
Corruption in the medical, educational, and judicial professions is noted; for example, false medical certificates are issued, and post mortem reports are prepared by doctors to shield criminals. Judges are reported to be influenced by political pressures and threats, and are said to accept bribes and gifts either directly from petitioners or through lawyers and other intermediaries. Many educational institutions demand a large sum in the form of a 'donation' before they will admit prospective students. Exploitation and victimization of students by teachers and department heads are frequently reported, particularly in medical and engineering colleges and at higher levels in the universities. Six reasons are suggested for the prevalence of corruption: (1) an unhealthy climate for integrity because of war-time controls and scarcities as well as a postwar flush of money and consequent inflation in the independence period, (2) the weakening of traditional values due to rapid modernization, (3) the recruitment and promotion of some unproven and inexperienced men to offices vacated by British officials, (4) the increased administrative and discretionary power of public officials, (5) cumbersome and dilatory government procedures and practices, and (6) the unwillingness of officials to deal with corruption. The need for a social and moral revolution to revive basic human values is emphasized. Nineteen references are included.