Corruption in Public Life Essay With Outline and Quotations

Corruption  in Public Life Essay Outline:

1. Corruption is a deep-rooted menace. It has soaked into every sphere of life and grown into gigantic proportions. It has become such an integral part of our life that we have stopped feeling scandalized by it.
2. It is grown rapidly. Opportunities for the growth of corrupt practices have multiplied after independence.
3. Even education and religion have got corrupted. It is a pity that even the fields of education and religion that should foster morality have got corrupted.
4. The Philosophy of corruption. Some people accept bribes because there are others to offer them. Common people embrace corruption because they find it difficult to behave
like angels in isolation.
5. Corruption spreads from top to bottom. Ordinary people emulate their superiors in all walks of life. Since people at the top are corrupt, corruption inevitably spreads at the lower rungs of society.
6. Reform should also begin at the top. Top level officials in the government and our political leaders should cultivate moral values if this menace is to be effected successfully

Essay on Corruption in Public Life for Classe Kids (in 100 Words)

Corruption in Public Life Essay in (1000-1500 Words) for 9th,10th,11th,12th

Intoduction:

Corruption is a deep-rooted menace that has eaten into the vitals of society, distorted all values, and made mincemeat of morality, truth, and virtue. The evil has grown to gigantic proportions and there is hardly any sphere of social, political, economic, or even religious activity that is free from deception and corruption of some kind. Like the air we breathe in, it has become all-pervasive. It has seeped into the social fabric to such an extent that now it looks like its natural color. One wonders whether we should accept it as the price of socialism, progress, and civilization.

Edmund Burke warned the world that a corrupt influence is a perennial spring of decay and disorder. Once the evil of corruption is born, it grows very fast. The opportunities for palm-greasing and bribery have increased with the increase in trade and commerce. Securing raw materials and permits and licenses becomes much simpler if there is an attractive sum to offer.

Shocking enough, our education system is also not free from corruption. Parents have to offer huge ‘donations’ to procure admission for their children. It is indeed shameful that meritorious students are denied admission in prestigious courses like engineering and medicine while those with large pockets find their way through. The power of money can be seen even at the places of worship were the ones with generous offerings manage to meet the Lord first!

The philosophy of corruption operates interestingly, So long as there are people to offer a bribe, there are also people to take it, directly or indirectly. We rationalize the situation and console ourselves that easy money is a human weakness difficult to overcome. The standard of living is constantly rising, soaring prices of essential commodities have broken the back and we indulge in corrupt ways for our children’s sake and since everyone else does it, why not us? Must we be the only angels on earth? Every man, it is said, has his price. When the entire economic and social set-up breathes what is called ‘speed money’ to push things through, it is almost impossible to resist temptation – human beings are, after all, human beings. But the stink lies not only in the prevalence of the lure but in the hypocrisy that accompanies it. People accept bribes under the table, then come out to rise anti-corruption slogans at the top of their voice and urge others to be honest and pure.

It is not difficult to locate the causes of corruption. Corruption breeds at the top and then gradually filters down to the lower levels. Gone are the days when people who joined politics were imbued with the spirit of serving the nation. Those who threw themselves in the fight for freedom knew that there were only sacrifices to be made and no return was expected. So only the most selfless people came forward. But the modern politicians’ ideals, They win elections at a huge personal cost and then try to make the best of the opportunity they get. Powerful business magnates who are forced to give huge donations to political parties indulge in corrupt practices not only to make up for their losses but even to consolidate their gains. When people in power indulge in corruption so unabashedly, the common man gets a kind of sanction. Ironically, instead of fighting against the menace of corruption, our political leaders declare it a worldwide phenomenon and accept it as something inevitable.

Promises and oaths of honesty are made and soon forgotten. However, measures calculated to produce a social climate both among public servants and in the general public are essential. A new tradition of integrity can be established only if the members of the government are the example of their superiors. Our freedom fighters were selfless people; so the common man was willing to sacrifice his all for his country. Since the majority of the modern political leaders are interested only in self-advancement, the common man too is also hankering after the loaves and fishes of office. Today, the first step is, to be honest, and admit that our conduct and character lack that grace and strength which are the distinguishing marks of free people everywhere. We must submit to some serious introspection and realize the enormity of the decline in our character. Once we have realized this, it should not be difficult to end corruption at all levels of life. In fact, public apathy is an unconscious sanction to corruption.

The Causes and Effects Corruption in Public Life

• Lack of transparency: Corruption can thrive when there is a lack of transparency in government and business. This means that it is difficult to track how money is being spent and who is benefiting from it.
• Lack of accountability: When people in power are not held accountable for their actions, it creates an environment where corruption can flourish. This means that there are no consequences for breaking the law or abusing power.
• Weak institutions: Corrupt officials are more likely to flourish in countries with weak institutions, such as a lack of an independent judiciary or a free press. This means that there is no one to investigate or prosecute corruption, and no one to hold the media accountable for reporting on it.
• Poverty: When people are struggling to make ends meet, they may be more likely to engage in corrupt activities in order to get ahead. This could include things like bribery, extortion, or embezzlement.
• Culture of impunity: When there is a culture of impunity, where people believe that they can get away with corruption, it becomes more widespread. This can be created by a number of factors, such as a history of corruption, a lack of education about corruption, or a lack of trust in the government.

Effects of Corruption

• Economic damage: Corruption can have a devastating impact on a country’s economy. It can lead to higher prices, lower investment, and slower economic growth. This is because corruption distorts the market and makes it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently.
• Social unrest: Corruption can also lead to social unrest, as people become frustrated with the government and its inability to provide basic services. This can lead to protests, demonstrations, and even violence.
• Loss of trust: Corruption can erode trust in government and institutions, making it difficult to address other challenges. This is because people may lose faith in the ability of the government to solve problems or provide for their needs.
• Human rights abuses: Corruption can also lead to human rights abuses, as officials use their power to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. This can include things like denying people access to healthcare, education, or other essential services.

Corruption is a complex problem with no easy solutions. However, by understanding the causes and effects of corruption, we can begin to develop strategies to fight it. These strategies may include things like increasing transparency, strengthening institutions, and promoting education about corruption.

Corruption in Public Life Essay Quotations

1. “Corruption is like a disease that eats away at the foundation of society, eroding trust and undermining the principles of justice and fairness.” –
2. “The price of corruption is not just the loss of money or resources, but the erosion of moral values and the destruction of public trust.” – Kofi Annan
3. “Corruption is a cancer that spreads silently, destroying the integrity and credibility of those in power.” – Nelson Mandela
4. “Corruption thrives in the shadows of secrecy and flourishes when good people choose to remain silent.” – Robert Mueller
5. “Corruption is a betrayal of the public’s trust and a violation of the principles upon which a just society is built.” – Pope Francis
6. “When corruption becomes a way of life, honesty and integrity become acts of rebellion.” – Charles de Gaulle
7. “Corruption is the enemy of progress, hindering economic development and obstructing social justice.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
8. “The fight against corruption begins with the individual, who must refuse to be complicit and choose integrity over personal gain.” – Wangari Maathai
9. “Corruption is not just a financial crime; it is a moral issue that corrodes the very fabric of society.” – José Ugaz
10. “The battle against corruption is a battle for the soul of a nation, a fight to reclaim the values that define us as a society.” – Dalia Grybauskaitė

Conclusion for Corruption in Public Life Essay

Corruption in public life continues to pose a significant challenge that requires urgent action. Its harmful consequences on society cannot be overlooked. To effectively combat corruption, it is imperative to prioritize strengthening governance structures, enhancing transparency, and nurturing a culture rooted in integrity. Education and awareness initiatives play a crucial role in instilling values of honesty and ethical conduct among individuals. Equally important is the rigorous enforcement of laws and the imposition of appropriate penalties for offenders. By collectively addressing corruption, we can strive towards creating a just and equitable society where public trust is restored, and the common good is safeguarded for the benefit of all.