Mains Practice Question

Q. What measures have been taken by the Indian government to promote transparency and reduce
corruption? (250 words)

21 Mar, 2023 GS Paper 2 Polity & Governance

Approach

Start your answer by briefly introducing the menace of corruption in India.

Discuss various measures have been taken by the Indian government to promote transparency
and reduce corruption.
Conclude accordingly.

Introduction

Corruption is a pervasive menace that has plagued India for decades, hindering the
country's economic and social progress. The detrimental effects of corruption are felt across
all sectors of society, from education and healthcare to infrastructure and law enforcement.
In recent years, the Indian government has recognized the gravity of the problem and
taken several steps to promote transparency and reduce corruption in the country.

Body

Measures taken by the Indian Government to promote transparency and reduce

corruption:
Implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI):
The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers citizens to seek information
from public authorities. The Act provides for the disclosure of information related
to the functioning of the government and its various departments.
The implementation of the RTI Act has brought transparency in the functioning
of government departments and reduced corruption.
For example, in 2011, a group of RTI activists exposed a scam worth crore
of rupees in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in Uttar Pradesh.
The scam involved embezzlement of funds meant for health
programs. The RTI activists had obtained information from the
government under the RTI Act, which helped in exposing the scam.
Digitization of Government Services:
The Indian government has launched various digital initiatives to provide
services to citizens in a transparent and efficient manner. Digitalization of
government services has reduced the scope of corruption by reducing human
intervention.
For example, the Digital India initiative launched in 2015 aims to
transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Under this initiative, the government has launched various programs
such as e-governance, digital literacy, and digital infrastructure
development.
These programs have reduced the scope of corruption in
 government services by minimizing human intervention.
Introduction of Aadhaar Card:
The Aadhaar card is a unique identification number given to Indian citizens. The
Aadhaar card has helped in reducing corruption by eliminating fake identities
and ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
For example, the government's direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme
has been linked to the Aadhaar card. The DBT scheme ensures that
government subsidies and welfare benefits reach the intended
beneficiaries directly.
The use of Aadhaar has helped in reducing corruption by eliminating
fake identities and ensuring that the benefits reach the intended
beneficiaries.
Introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST):
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in 2017 has brought transparency
in the taxation system and reduced corruption. GST has replaced various
indirect taxes such as excise duty, service tax, and value-added tax.
For example, GST has simplified the taxation system and has reduced the
scope of corruption by bringing in transparency in the taxation system. The
introduction of GST has reduced the burden of compliance for businesses
and has made the taxation system more efficient.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA):
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, is aimed at preventing money
laundering and financing of terrorism. This act has been instrumental in reducing
corruption by preventing corrupt officials from laundering their ill-gotten wealth.
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):
The Central Vigilance Commission is an anti-corruption body that was
established in 1964. The CVC is responsible for preventing corruption in
government departments and promoting transparency in government functioning.

Conclusion

While the Indian government has made significant efforts to promote transparency and reduce
corruption, there is still a long way to go in eliminating corruption completely from the country.
The government must continue to implement measures that promote transparency and
accountability in government functioning, and also ensure strict enforcement of anti-
corruption laws.
Additionally, there is a need to create awareness among citizens about their rights
and responsibilities in fighting corruption. By working towards these goals, the
government can create a more transparent and corruption-free environment that promotes
the country's overall development and growth.

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