Harsh Steps Needed To Curb Corruption

Corruption is a major enemy of all countries, especially the underdeveloped ones. This is a pervasive, multifaceted, and complex problem that severely affects societies and economies. Nepal is no exception to this as the nation has been plagued by corruption for decades. Corruption seems to have affected all sectors, including political, administrative, policy, economic, civil, and private ones. Poverty is one of the primary factors behind corruption. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world with a low per capital income. Though corruption is an evil practice, many people still have a perception that those having amassed property by any means have higher social status than others. Unless and until the corrupt are boycotted socially, the trend of earning excessive amounts of money even by applying unfair means will continue.

Another significant cause of corruption in the country is weak governance. Corruption thrives in an environment where there is a lack of transparency and accountability. Despite pledges made by the different political parties in Nepal to deal with corruption effectively, the successive governments have not been able in controlling it. They have been either weak or reluctant to take up this prominent issue seriously. The country has been plagued by political instability for many years, which has created a sense of uncertainty and fear among the people. Some policymakers and bureaucrats seem to have been involved in misusing public resources for their personal gain in order to secure their positions or interests.

Effects

There is no doubt that corruption is such an evil that weakens democracy, public institutions, and the rule of law. It also has a negative impact on economic growth and development because it discourages foreign investment and creates an environment of uncertainty and instability. It hampers the people’s access to basic services and social justice, eroding public trust in government and fomenting a sense of despair among the masses.

Corrupt practices grow significantly in kleptocracy where those in power often abuse their authority to engage in corruption. Kleptocracy is a form of government in which fiscal irregularities and misuse of public resources are widespread. Leaders and officials are seen using their powers to enrich themselves and their cronies while the rest of the population is forced to bear the brunt of their misrule. In such a regime, there is a lack of transparency and accountability. Political leaders and officials try to control the media and crush the dissenting voices. So, kleptocracy can lead to poverty, economic instability, and inequality.

There are various dimensions of corruption. Political corruption is the abuse of power by elected officials and political cadres while administrative dishonesty is the misuse of power by public officials in course of carrying out their duties. These can take many forms, including bribery, embezzlement of public resources, and nepotisim and favoritism. Policy-level corruption refers to the manipulation of policy-making processes for personal gain, the solicitation of bribes, and the manipulation of vital information.

Corruption in the private sector takes place with the use of illegal or unethical practices by businesses to gain a competitive advantage. It can take many forms, including the payment of bribes, the manipulation of contracts, and the abuse of market power. Strengthening governance institutions by promoting transparency, accountability, education and awareness, oversight, prosecution, asset recovery, ethics training, international cooperation, economic growth, and enforcing anti-corruption laws are the main measures aimed at checking corruption.

Many countries have taken steps to tackle corruption. Georgia is one of the nations to have made significant progress in curbing corruption. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Georgia was known for high levels of corruption, with many government officials indulging in bribery and other corrupt practices. However, the country embarked on a series of reforms aimed at improving governance. With the success of its 'Rose Revolution', Georgia adopted a number of measures to combat corruption. Cleaning up its police force was one of the first steps. In 2003, the country's newly-elected government disbanded the existing police force and replaced it with a new force that was smaller, better trained, and less corrupt. The new police force was paid higher salaries. That step helped in stopping the police personnel to get engaged with corrupt practices. 

In addition, the government moved to eliminate numerous unnecessary regulations and procedures which made it easier for businesses to operate, reducing opportunities for corruption. The country also implemented a range of technology-based initiatives to promote transparency and reduce loopholes for corruption. It also enforced harsh anti-money laundering laws, seized assets belonging to groups involved in organised crimes, and prosecuted members of those groups.

Challenges

Moreover, Georgia came up with a plan to strengthen public institutions, including the judiciary and the civil service. That plan proved to be instrumental in cracking down on corruption. Under this step, the government introduced merit-based hiring and promotion systems, which reduced the influence of political connections and nepotism. According to Transparency International, Georgia's score has improved significantly. In recent years, from 33 in 2004 to 56 in 2022 (CPI index 2022). However, corruption still remains a challenge in the nation and there is still work to be done to further reinforce governance institutions in order to reduce corruption risks.

Corruption does not disappear overnight. Continuous reforms and vigilance are required to curb corruption. The latest fake Bhutanese refugee scam in Nepal has confirmed the fact that corruption is still a chronic disease. It is no exaggeration to say that no sector in the country is free of corruption these days. If we adopt preventive, promotional and punitive measures in all sectors and follow the Georgian model, we will be able to prevent corruption and establish good governance.

(The author is an administrative officer at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku.khadkabhakta@gmail.com)