Over the past fortnight, trainee IAS office Puja Khedkar and her parents have made the headlines for the wrong reasons. Water cooler and tea stall chats across the nation about Ms Khedkar’s conduct has brought to the fore an even nastier problem which Amana Begum highlights in this article: “…Puja Khedkar’s case, involving selection through alleged misuse of disability and OBC non-creamy layer certifications, has sparked more than just controversy. It has shaken people’s trust in the civil services examination, making them question the very sanctity of UPSC’s selection process…
Corruption exists and thrives in Indian society because it is often socially accepted and, in some cases, even seen as aspirational. The allure of wealth, influence, and efficient outcomes achieved through connections can overshadow ethical considerations. Even those who morally oppose corruption often find themselves complicit, adapting to a system where malpractices are considered essential for survival and progress. This raises a critical question about our societal values: do we genuinely disdain corruption, or do we secretly admire the outcomes—such as wealth accumulation and power—that it sometimes facilitates?”
So what are the roots of India’s fondness for corruption? Ms Begum begins with India’s first PM: “Even the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru regretfully admitted his inability to reform the Indian bureaucracy: “I could not change the administration; it remains a colonial administration.”
According to former IAS officer and Reserve Bank of India governor D Subbarao, about 25 per cent of IAS officers are either corrupt, incompetent, or inefficient.”
Next up are corrupt politicians who take punitive action against honest IAS officers thus sending a signal that honesty is a vice that the political class won’t tolerate: “Ashok Khemka is one example, demonstrating all that can be achieved when an IAS officer truly commits to transparency and accountability. Serving in the Haryana Cadre since 1991, Khemka is known for his anti-corruption efforts, such as cancelling an illegal land deal involving a prominent political figure’s relative.
Unfortunately, for his commendable work, he has faced over 55 transfers in 30 years (as of 2023). There are also those who have paid the ultimate price for carrying out their duties diligently. IAS officer Narendra Kumar was allegedly killed by the sand mafia in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, for his courageous attempts to curb illegal mining in the area.”
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