Pervasive corruption is the most disturbing element of our governance. Happily, recent y witnessed encouraging trends in certain sectors.

Wherever competition, choice, transparency technology has been introduced, corruption has dramatically declined. However, in other core sect where the state’s role is critical, corruption continues unchecked.

There are signs of growing corrupting in some of these state-controlled sectors, indicating a shift from the traditional forms of corruption Police, criminal justice system, healthcare delivery, public procurement and contracting, transfers postings of officials, tax collection and land administration are areas, which are by nature fully substantially state-controlled.

Corruption is either continuing or growing in these sectors, as t inexhaustible demand for illegitimate funds in our governance system continues unabated. Clearly far reaching political and electoral reforms to transform our political culture and alter the nature of incentive in public life are the need of the hour.

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In addition, real decentralization of power with effective institutional checks will give citizens great control and curb the rapacity of state functionaries. Judicial and police reforms ensuring speedy, efficiency and accessible justice and swift, sure and severe punishment for abuse of office will increase risks unacceptable behaviour.

Self-regulatory mechanisms to uphold standards in professional groups are another area that requires urgent attention in the changing context. Finally, measures of accountability including the recently enacted Right to Information Act, well-designed citizen’s charters with penalties for non-performance, independent, empowered and effective anti-corruption agencies, innovative too to involve citizens in the fight against graft and leakages will surely expose corruption much more easily minimize wrong incentives, and enforce compliance with acceptable norms of public conduct.

Comprehensive approach involving political, electoral, judicial, and police reforms coupled with decentralization and accountability must be the essence of an all out assault on corruption. In the wake of economic liberalization, changing forms of corruption, and technological sophistication in economic offences, there is a need for pan-Indian institutional framework for effective enforcement of criminal justice with focus on speed and dexterity.