My Notes: Governance Topics of PCS Mains GS Paper-2

      I have prepared these notes after going through various sources. For sources, there are specific articles. This copy of short notes is just for an illustration about how i prepared my notes because i received many requests for a sample copy.

    Governance:

Ø  Definitions:

o   General: Process of decision making, decisions implemented/not implemented.

o   WB: Manner in which power exercised in management of country’s economic & social resources for development.

o   GAF: Process of interaction and decision making among actors involved in collective manner that leads to creation and re-enforcement or replacement of social norms and institutions.

Ø  Includes:

o   Process of choosing, monitoring and changing govt

o   Interface between leg, judiciary and admin.

o   Ability of govt to create, implement public policy.

Ø  Orders of Governance:

1.     1^st Order: (Top Level) – problem identified, enacted.

2.     2^nd Order: (Enabling Order) – Institutional setup for 1^st Order

3.     3^rd Order: (Meta Order) – Governing of Governing. Norms, principles shaping governance process.

Ø  Types: Good Governance, e-Governance, Corporate Governance

Ø  Aspects: by WB. [Also called WB Governance Indicators]

1.     Voice and Accountability: measures extent of political, civil and human rights.

2.     Political Instability and Violence: likelihood of violence, change in govt, terrorism.

3.     Government Effectiveness: competence of bureaucracy, quality of service by officials.

4.     Regulatory Burden: market unfriendly policies.

5.     Rule of Law: quality of policing, courts, judicial independence, crime

6.     Control of Corruption: abuse of public power for private gains.

·      Government:

Ø  One of the actors in governance.

Ø  Other actors: Rural (land lords, farmer org., religious leaders etc), National Level (media, MNCs, lobbyists etc)

·      Good Governance: GG

Ø  Concept:

o   GG given by WB in 1992

o   Governance mechanism which is a/c, trans, professional, responsive, democratic etc

o   “Good” = Moral + Legal Connotation.

Ø  Need:

o   Distribute national resources in interest of all stratas rather than only elite strata.

o   Promote popular sovereign in place of legal sovereignty.

o   Control influence of vested interests over govt policies.

o   Replace reactive administration with proactive administration.

o   Increase responsivity towards underprivileged.

Ø  Constituents:

1.     Political class

2.     Bureaucracy

3.     Public

Ø  Features:

o   Political a/c, acceptability of political system and regular elections.

o   Freedom of association, participation (by religious, cultural, economic groups)

o   Rule of law, independent judiciary => HR protection, social justice, exploitation etc

o   Accountability, scientific monitoring of bureaucracy.

o   Freedom of information, expression.

o   Cooperation b/w govt and civil society.

o   Legal + Institutional mechanism to guard HR’s.

Ø  Ways to Operationalize:

o   Legal + Constitutional + Institutional framework.

o   RTI, CC, e-G, etc

o   GRM – eg – Lokpal

o   Ethics and morality in public services.

o   Reforms in Admin – Decentralization, de-bureaucratization, etc

Ø  GG & India: [Institutional mechanism - Present, GG at grass-root – Absent.] Indicators – corruption, low HDI, etc

Ø  Bottlenecks in Indian GG:

o   Bureaucratic setup = not adequate, ineffective, not economic.

o   Lack of political will

o   Concept of CG is absent in India.

o   Lack of Coordination b/w Centre-state, govt-civil society.

o   Awareness, vested interests.

·      e-Governance:

Ø  Concept:

o   Govt any time, anywhere. Sarkar Aapke Dwaar

o   Use of ICT (internet, mobile phones, etc) to deliver services to citizens.

o   Christopher Baum: e-G is transformation of public sector’s internal and external relationships through net-enabled operations, ICT to optimize govt service delivery, constituency participation and governance.

o   Makes govt SMART: Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent.

Ø  Dimensions:

1.     Use of ICT in deliver of service

2.     A paradigm shift in structure of admin (govt-citizen, govt-civil society relation, de-bureaucratization, down-sizing, etc)

Ø  Models:

1.     G2C: [eg – e-Education, e-Registration.]

2.     C2G: [eg – e-Complaints, e-Voting.]

3.     G2G: [e – Administration, e-Courts.]

4.     G2B: [eg – e-Taxation, e-Commerce.]

5.     G2N or G2CS

Ø  Case Studies:

o   CARD Project of AP Govt:

§  Use of ICT in Valuation of property, sale of stamp papers, document writing, registration took 20-30 times lesser time as compared manual system.

o   e-SEVA by AP Govt:

§  1^st of its type in India.

§  Utility bills, tax payments, issue of certificates etc.

o   BHOOMI Project by Karnataka:

§  Rural land records computerized (ownership + crop details)

§  Information available through Information Kiosks (IFCs)

o   Others: KHAZANE (Karnataka), FRIENDS (Kerala), GYAN-DOOT (MP), LOK MITRA (Rajasthan), e-SAMPARKH (Chandigarh), IRCTC website (Railways).

Ø  Significance/Application:

o   Corruption, trans, a/c, responsiveness, effective, efficient, empowerment, accuracy,

o   Success of RTI and CC depends on e-G, time and money saving, bridge gap b/w citizen-govt, etc.

Ø  Prerequisites:

o   e-Literacy, awareness, infrastructure, finances, maintenance, security - enabling legislation (IT Act), political will, digitalization, s/w in local languages, cultural acceptability.

o   Removal of bureaucratic resistance, role of civil society, user-friendly s/w.

Ø  Role of Civil Society:

o   Eg – Project – CYBER GRAMEEN run by NGO based in Chennai.

o   Eg – Online Complaint Monitoring System of Mumbai Municipal Corp. by help of NGO – Praja Foundation.

Ø  Obstacles in India: [Same as Prerequisites]

Ø  NeGP: [National e-Governance Plan]

o   It is an umbrella scheme covering all schemes facilitating e-G.

o   It is a broad strategy towards e-G in India, approved by Govt in 2006.

o   Has various Mission Mode Projects implemented by different states in flexible manner.

o   Objectives, Models, Problems => same as e-G [Discussed]

·      Citizen’s Charter:

Ø  Concept:

o   Participative agreed document b/w citizen and service provider.

o   Interface b/w administration and citizens.

o   ARC-II: CC is an instrument which seeks to make an org transparent, accountable and citizen friendly. It is a set of commitments made by org regarding standards of G & S which it delivers.

Ø  Components: By IIPA

1.     Vision & Mission Statement

2.     Identification of Services, Levels and Clients

3.     Specification of Time-frame, Service Quality Standard and Service Delivery Standards

4.     Clear information about procedure and contact points for obtaining services

5.     Clear information about Information Facilitation Counter (IFC) and its functions.

6.     Providing information about Public Grievances Redressal Procedure and GRM.

7.     Information about time-frame for acknowledgement regarding redressal

8.     Information about systematic review of all public grievances

9.     Information about procedures for inviting suggestions and Time-frame for review of suggestions

10.   Information about mechanism for processing of suggestions and its outcomes

Ø  ARC’s 7 Step Model for Citizen Centricity:

1.     Define all services which you provide and identify your clients

2.     Set standards and norms for each service

3.     Develop capability to meet the set standards

4.     Perform to achieve standards

5.     Monitor performance against set standards

6.     Evaluate impact through independent mechanism

7.     Continuous improvement on monitoring and evaluation of results

Ø  Need:

o   Trust deficit, effectiveness, quality, a/c, trans, citizen-centric etc

o   Professionalization of admin, sensitivity, value oriented, good governance.

Ø  Features of CC Bill, 2011: Right of Citizens to Time-bound Deliver of G & S and Redressal of their Grievances Bill

1.     Publication of CC:

§  Within 6 months.

§  Specify: category of G&S, name, address of officers.

§  Establish IFC and redressal of grievances

2.     GRO:

§  Appoint GRO in all public offices, to redress complaints within 30 days.

§  Appeal: GRO à DO à C/SPGRC

3.     Penalty & Compensation:

§  Fine upto Rs 50,000 to be recovered from salary of officer.

§  Disciplinary proceedings.

Ø  Case Studies:

o   By C. N. Ray:

§  There is great variation across org in terms of procedures and redressal.

§  Except Indian Railways, most CC’s neglect compensation for non-adherence to commitments

§  Most CC without participation of citizens

§  Largely prevails in public sector only.

§  Most CC’s do not fix individual responsibilities except Ministry of Consumer Affairs in TPDS outlets.

o   Others:

§  Generally, no mention of citizen’s responsibilities.

§  Performance of GRS below par.

§  Necessary facilities for operationalization of CC absent.

Ø  Suggestions: By ARC-II

o   One size does not fit all.

o   Separate CC for different services of same organization.

o   Consultation with civil society.

o   Reforms in internal structure of org.

o   Periodic evaluation, hold officers accountable for results.

·      Transparency:

Ø  Definition: Process of opening up the functioning of Govt related to decision making and implementation.

Ø  Tools of transparency: RTI, CC, e-Governance

Ø  ARC-2 Recommendations:

1.     Special budget allocation for record management

2.     Replace oath of secrecy with oath of transparency

3.     Mass awareness, training programmes for capacity building

4.     Pro-active disclosure of information

·      Accountability and Ethical Governance:

Ø  Traditional definition: Agent rendering account to his principal for activities carried on his behalf

Ø  Modern definition: Means answerability for its actions. Strong participation of citizens, evaluation of performance, transparency in operation in order to serve public interest.

Ø  Types:

1.     Fiscal: Scrutiny of financial transactions

2.     Process: Scrutiny of procedure

3.     Programme: Focus – achievement of results

Ø  Elements:

1.     Administrative

2.     Legal

3.     Professional

4.     Political

5.     Moral

Ø  Social Accountability: Participatory Budgeting, Public Expenditure Tracking, Performance Monitoring

Ø  Recent Steps to Ensure Accountability:

1.     SC Judgment of NOTA

2.     SC Judgment of Convicted legislators

3.     CIC order to bring Political Parties under RTI

4.     Lokpal

·      Role of Civil Service in Democracy:

Ø  Definition:

o   Civil Servants are permanent, paid, professional and skilled persons who occupy civil positions and act as architect to implement state’s goals

o   Features: neutral, Anonymity

o   Values for Civil Servants:

                                                            i.         Integrity

                                                           ii.         Honesty

                                                         iii.         Objectivity

                                                          iv.         Impartiality

                                                           v.         Dedication and devotion

                                                          vi.         Commitment

                                                        vii.         Accountability and transparency

                                                       viii.         Role Model behaviour

o   Ethics for Civil Servants:

                                                            i.         Public interest

                                                           ii.         Patriotism

                                                         iii.         Uphold National pride

                                                          iv.         Loyal towards law and CoI

                                                           v.         Absolute integrity

                                                          vi.         No misuse

                                                        vii.         Discharge duty with caution, care and prudence

                                                       viii.         Instrument of GG

                                                          ix.         Betterment

                                                           x.         Foster Socio-economic development and due regard to diversities.

Ø  Role:

1.     Assist political executive

2.     Provide architecture for implementing state’s goals

3.     Policy Formulation

4.     Policy Implementation

5.     Delegated Legislation: Detailing of skeletal laws.

6.     Quasi-judicial: DC as DM

7.     Deliver excellence despite PEST constraints.

Ø  Weaknesses:

1.     Elitist

2.     Status quoist

3.     Ivory tower mentality

4.     Sheltered

5.     Corruption, loss of neutrality

Ø  ARC-2 Observations:

1.     Absence of teamwork

2.     Fragmentation of function – diminishing marginal utility

3.     Proliferation of ministers and Red Tapism

4.     National priorities not receiving due attention.

Ø  Reforms:

1.     Whistle blower protection

2.     No victimization

3.     CSB – SC Judgment

·      Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Governance:

Ø  Definition of Ethical Dilemma: Complex situation that involves mental conflict between moral imperatives, in which, to obey one would result in transgressing another.

Ø  Moral Imperative is a principle originating inside a person’s mind

Ø  In Indian Philosophy, ethical dilemma is called Dharamsankat.

Ø  Principles of dealing with ethical dilemmas in public administration:

1.     Democratic Accountability of administration is must

2.     Rule of law must be upheld

3.     Principle of loyalty towards law and duty must be followed

4.     Professional integrity must be exhibited

5.     Responsiveness to civil society must be the priority.

Ø  Ethical Dilemmas faced by Public Servants:

1.     Administrative Discretion: whether to take a particular step or not.

2.     Corruption: Should I sacrifice public interest or should I blow the whistle

3.     Administrative Secrecy: Should I keep some unethical conduct secret or should I maintain the status quo.

4.     Nepotism: Should I favour my relative/friend or consider merit

5.     Information Leaks: Should I leak information to benefit someone, or should I abide by the rule.

6.     Public Accountability: Should I subject myself to public accountability or hide behind prescribed procedures

7.     Policy Dilemmas: Should I frame policy according to public interest or in affiliation to a political party

8.     Other problem areas: abuse of sick leave privilege, extended tea breaks, violation of office rules in general.

·      Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Source of Ethical Guidance:

Ø  Laws, Rules and Regulations are external to an actor

Ø  Conscience is internal to an actor

Ø  Both Internal and External factors guide the conduct of the Actor.

Ø  Law, Rules and Regulations:

o   Implies a common or constant way of action.

o   It induces people to act or restrains them from acting in order to uphold common good.

o   But, law must also be just and equal for all.

o   For obeying law, there is reward and for disobeying it, there are punishments. Hence rewards and punishments act as ethical guidance.

o   It is virtually impossible to know all laws, rules etc but by linking them to principles of natural justice, judgment can be made.

Ø  Conscience:

o   Something within the human being that determines the morality of human actions

o   It is the intellectual judgment on goodness or badness of a particular act

o   It is not a feeling or an emotion but an intellectual judgment.

o   Conscience applies the law, rule or regulation to specific action and therefore it is wider than law, rule etc

o   Conscience is to law as a brush is to paint.

Ø  Law, rules and conscience provide guidance in determining what is right and wrong

Ø  They do not guarantee infallibility but provide for a starting point

·      Ethical Issues in International Relations:

Ø  Nation-states often have to decide on 2 issues:

1.     Foreign aid:

o   There has to be a moral obligation over rich countries to help poor counties

o   Moderate aid will always improve conditions in both countries – receiver and donor.

o   Aid should not have any hidden object of making the receiver country virtually subordinate to the donor.

o   Aim should be upliftment, empowerment, technology transfer and mutual benefit.

2.     Justify killing of innocent people of other nation in case of crisis like war, etc

o   This can be done on ground of preventing life of people in its own jurisdiction

o   International community has a moral obligation to intermediate between conflicts between countries to prevent such crisis.

Ø  Morality and World Politics: All people should be treated equally irrespective of the nation to which they belong. International law should be upheld along with recognition to national sovereignty. National Sovereignty has to be respected keeping in view its suitability to diverse local customs and values.

Eg – In this light, Indian Govt held NPT as unjust for non-nuclear states as it poses no obligation over existing nuclear powers.

Ø  Environmental Issue: Principle of Common but Differential Responsibility

·      Probity and Governance:

Ø  Definition:

o   Quality or condition of having strong moral principles – integrity, good character, honesty, decency.

o   It is the act of highest principles and ideals rather than just avoiding corruption or dishonest conduct.

Ø  Probity Principles:

                                                            i.         Accountability: <done>

                                                           ii.         Transparency: <done>

                                                         iii.         Impartiality: freedom from bias

                                                          iv.         Confidentiality: to protect rights, interests and reputation of all stake holders

                                                           v.         Management of Conflict of interest: between management, staff and stakeholders.

·      Corporate Governance: CG

Ø  Concept:

o   Good Governance in private sector.

o   It is a concept rather than an individual instrument. It includes debate on appropriate management, control structures of company.

o   It includes the rules relating to power-relations b/w owners, board, management and stake holders such as employees, suppliers, customers, public at large.

o   It is beyond realm of law, can’t be regulated by legislation alone.

Ø  Constituents:

1.     Share Holders

2.     Management

3.     Board

Ø  Objectives:

o   Properly structured Board = independent, objective decisions

o   Board should adopt transparent procedures, use adequate information in decision making

o   Board to inform share holders on relevant developments

o   Board to monitor functioning of Management Team.

Ø  Causes for Emergence of CG:

o   2002: USA enacted Oxley-Sarbanes Act, 2002 to restore confidence, which was lost due to frauds like Worldcom

o   2008: Lehman Bank fraud

o   Increasing globalization.

Ø  Principles of CG:

1.     Rights and Equitable Treatment of Share Holders

2.     Interests of Other Stake Holders

3.     Role and Responsibilities of Board

4.     Integrity and Ethical Behavior

5.     Disclosure and Transparency

Ø  Case Study:

o   Studies of CG practices across several countries by IMf, WB, ADB, OECD reveals that there is no single model of Good CG.

Ø  CG in India:

o   Undertaken by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), SEBI etc

o   1956: Securities Contract Regulation Act, 1956 à now a regulatory tool used by SEBI

o   1992: SEBI Act, 1992

o   1996: Depositories Act, 1996

o   2000: 1^st formal regulatory framework for listed companies for CG by SEBI on recommendation of Birla Committee Report.

o   MCA initiatives: Company’s Act, 1956; Company’s Bill, 2004 and its amendments.

·      Right To Information: RTI

Ø  Concept:

o   All citizens can have access to information from public offices.

o   WB’s document “Governance and Development” mentions Transparency and Information as 1 of the 7 aspects of governance.

Ø  RTI in India:

o   1977, Janata Party committed to provide access to govt information.

o   SC held, RTI is implied under Article 19

o   5^th Pay commission recommended RTI. Followed by S. D. Suri Committee etc.

o   Freedom of Information Act, 2002 à replaced by à RTI Act, 2005.

Ø  Features of RTI Act:

o   Right of all citizen vis-à-vis all public offices except those mentioned under Section 8

o   Appoint information officer in each department.

o   APIO à PIO à IC (Centre/State) à HC à SC

o   Time period = 30 days, (except incase of life/liberty of person = 48 hrs)

o   Suo moto obligation to reduce requests.

o   CIC and SIC to implement RTI Act, quasi-judicial bodies, matters wrt state and centre public offices respectively.

o   Fine = 250 per day, upto 25,000.

o   Excluded public offices:

§  IB, RAW, BSF, CBI etc. Except matters of corruption and violation of HR’s.

§  Sub-judiced matters

§  3^rd party information

§  Trade secrets

§  General public interest matter.

Ø  Need: Transparency, a/c, corruption, trust deficit, awareness regarding welfare schemes, responsive, GG, participatory, cooperation, democratization, constructive criticism, feedback, empowerment.

Ø  Case Studies: PWC (Price Water House Coopers) engaged by GoI to study RTI’s issues.

o   According to PWC’s Report “Key Issues & Constraints in Implementing RTI Act”:

1)     Demand Side Issues: Information Seekers

§  Low awareness, filing applications, inspecting records.

§  Lack of uniformity in APIO’s & PIO’s of similar dept.

§  Poor quality, incomplete, inaccurate information.

§  More than 75% citizen dissatisfied with quality of information. (UP-96%, AP-91%)

2)     Supply Side Issues: Information Providers

§  Very costly affair for govt. Rs 10,000 per case.

§  Applicant’s choice to file application to any PIO is problematic.

§  Rigid time-frame for 30 days

§  Inadequate basic infrastructure at Panchayat and Block level.

§  Misuse: 35% people don’t come to collect information to escape additional fee

             To create problems for officers

§  No scientific management of records, no indexing, etc

§  Voluntary disclosure obligation not properly compiled, mostly violated by local bodies.

§  Poor training of PIO’s, not sensitized and motivated towards RTI.

Ø  Issues:

o   RTI & Judiciary:

§  Judicial Matters: exempted

§  Administrative Matters: Balakrishna Case:

Þ    Assets information denied by PIO of SC.

Þ    Then IC ordered against PIO of SC but PIO again refused.

Þ    Case filed against SC in Delhi HC, then in SC.

o   RTI & CBI:

§  Administrative functions: Still not provided.

§  Investment functions: Exempted.

Ø  Suggestions: by ARC-II

o   Repeal Official Secrets Act, 1923.

o   Replace Oath of Secrecy with Oath of Transparency.

o   Atleast half members of IC to be non-bureaucrats.

o   Guidelines to bring certain NGO’s under RTI

o   Complete re-organization of public records on scientific lines. (1% funds of schemes for 5 years for this)

o   RTI cell for accepting/processing/transmitting information in every district under DC

o   Emphasize on educating people about RTI, promoting culture within official structure.

·      Code of Ethics:

Ø  Definition:

o   Serves as a central guide to support day-to-day decision making at work.

o   It clarifies mission, values and principles.

o   Some believe that it limits one’s actions

o   Some believe that it empowers members to take effective decisions with greater confidence

o   Serves as key reference tool

Ø  Guidelines to write a Code of Ethics:

                                          i.         Be clear about objective

                                         ii.         Get support ideas from all members

                                       iii.         Be aware of latest legal and social developments

                                        iv.         Write simple, clear and user friendly

                                         v.         Respond real-life questions

                                        vi.         Update and revise regularly

·      Code of Conduct:

Ø  Set of rules outlining the responsibilities of an individual, party or organisation.

Ø  Focuses of Do’s and Do not’s

Ø  Acts as terms of reference

Ø  Change with time.

Ø  Codes are not self-implementing, there must be an institutional fabric for developing the code, communicating it, interpreting it, training or education on code, enforcing it and assessing it.

Ø  By involving employees in design of codes, institutional weaknesses also are revealed.

·      What’s the difference between Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct?

Ø  Codes of conduct are rules and regulations that are to be followed strictly by the employees of a company, and could lead to their removal if they show disregard to these codes.

Ø  Codes of ethics are behaviors or actions that are unwritten rules and regulations, and the company frowns upon their violation, though not prohibited under law.

Ø  Codes of ethics are not specific, and their violation leads to no punishment, though they are expected to be followed

Ø  Codes of conduct require strict adherence, or one has to incur penalty

·      Work Culture:

Ø  Definition: Certain norms of behavior governing the conduct of workers involved in work situations to achieve certain desired objectives

Ø  Good Work Culture means proper balance between Morality, Ethics and Law.

Ø  Features of Good Work Culture:

1.     Discipline

2.     Consistent maintenance of punctuality

3.     Appropriate and cordial demeanour with superior, colleagues and subordinates

4.     No personal work or wastage of time during working ours

5.     Observance of discipline and decorum in regards to peers and subordinates

6.     Consistent sustenance of ethically and morally sound actions

7.     Delivering as per commitment

8.     Accountable for errors

9.     Feeling responsible for task assigned

10.   Fully dedicated towards work

11.   High morale and job satisfaction

12.   Worker’s loyalty and sense of belongingness.

Ø  Reasons for Poor Work Culture:

1.     Lack of commitment

2.     Lack of discipline

3.     Poor working condition

4.     Political interference

5.     Decline in moral standards

·      Quality of Service Delivery:

Ø  Aspects:

1.     Reliability: transparency and consistency

2.     Assurance: competence and economy

3.     Tangibles: physical validation of service standards

4.     Empathy: courtesy and grievance redressal

5.     Responsiveness: timely and convenience

Ø  Tools: CC, e-Governance, RTI

Ø  Bottlenecks:

1.     Public Service lack competition

2.     Relationship between service provider and customer is weak, complex and indirect

3.     Funds are rigid, time bound and difficulty to match demand and supply forces

4.     Public Services lack innovation

5.     Lack of information sharing

6.     Lack of grievances redressal

Ø  Need:

1.     Two-pronged approach:

                                                            i.         External Mechanisms: public participation, accountability

                                                           ii.         Internal Mechanism: responsibility within administration,

2.     Information Sharing and transparency

·      Information Sharing and Transparency in Governance:

Ø  Transparency: availability of information not only to public but also to govt officials regarding service to be given.

Ø  Traditionally: unidirectional flow of information from govt to citizens

Ø  Problem with traditional approach: inability to understand & address ground realities => ineffective service delivery

Ø  Need:

1.     Feedback mechanism

2.     Transparency

3.     3-D strategy: <Information Sharing Framework>

                                                            i.         Step-1:   Inform Organisation about roles and functions

Develop coordination among other organisations

Analyse benefits and risks

                                                           ii.         Step-2:   Establish processes within the organisation

            Establish partnership among different organisations

            Establish regulation procedures

                                                         iii.         Step-3:  Develop Capacity

Implement Governance

Implement strategy and engagement

·      Challenges of Corruption:

Ø  Definition under IPC: Use of public office for private purpose

Ø  Modes of Corruption:

1.     Favoritism

2.     Speed money

3.     Nepotism

4.     Delay

5.     Bribery

6.     Misuse of office

7.     Inefficiency

8.     Embezzlement

Ø  Causes of Corruption:

1.     Social:

o   Strong bonds, Social environment, Public awareness, Decreasing morality, Declining social values.

2.     Political:

o   Bureaucracy, Multiplicity, Complexity, Slow Judiciary, Discretion misuse, decreasing morality, electoral corruption, corruption in recruitment.

3.     Economic:

o   Inflation, Consumerism, Competition between private companies, Hunger, Poverty, Infrastructural bottlenecks, Unemployment.

4.     Historic:

o   Long history = increased tolerance

5.     Legal Causes:

o   Delay, low conviction rate

o   Transparency International says – Lower Judiciary is most corrupt.

Ø  Legal, Institutional Efforts:

1.     Committees, Commissions:

o   Santhanam Committee. ARC-1, ARC-2, N. N. Vohra Committee

2.     Legal:

o   PoCA, 1988

o   CVC Act

o   IPC, CrPC

o   RTI

o   Lokpal

o   CC

3.     Institutions

o   Courts, Lokpal, Lokayukta, CVC, CBI, CBDT, ED, IB, etc

Ø  Major Scams:

1.     Jeep Scandal, 1948

2.     Boffor’s Scam

3.     Fodder Scam

4.     Common Wealth, 2-G, Coalgate, Railgate.

Ø  Suggestions:

1.     Technical: Laws, enforcement, conviction

2.     Moral Aspect: Improving ethics in political class, training, education, rewards.

·      Santhanam Committee, 1964: The Committee on Prevention of Corruption

“For a country like India, development of her material resources and raising the standards of life of all classes are, indeed imperative. At the same time, the deterioration in the standards of public life has to be arrested. Ways and means have to be found to ensure that idealism and patriotism have proper place in the ambition of our youth. The lack of moral earnestness, which has been a conspicuous feature of recent years, is perhaps the greatest single factor which hampers the growth of strong traditions of integrity and efficiency.”