Delhi-based policy think tank Centre for Media Studies (CMS) has conducted a unique research, aimed at determining the levels of corruption prevalent in India right now.
This research holds much significance, as PM Modi-led BJP Govt. in India completes three years next month. And, removal of corruption had been one of the most vocal promises made by the Govt.
And it seems that the promises are being delivered.
The survey was conducted across 3000 households, living in 20 Indian states, covering both rural and urban areas.
Corruption Decreases By 60% In Last 10 Years
As per the study by CMS, corruption in India has witnessed a steady and gradual decline, if analysed by the data of the last 10 years, from 2005 to 2016.
The study found that in 2005, 53% of the surveyed households complained about corruption in India, as they experienced it firsthand.
In 2016, only 33% of households said that they experienced corruption, of any form, in the country. This is a straight decline of 60% in corruption complaints.
In 2005, 73% of the surveyed households complained that corruption is steadily rising across all public services in India, but in 2016, only 43% of the surveyed households complained about this factor. This is a direct decrease of 68% in corruption complaints.
GVL Narasimha Rao, spokesperson for the BJP reacted positively to this news, and said, “This clearly demonstrates that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge, governance has drastically improved. The anti-corruption theme of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is also visible in bringing down corruption in public delivery services,”
Besides, the amount paid as bribes by Indians have also decreased in the last 10 years.
CMS discovered that total of Rs 20,500 crore was paid by the common man as bribe in 2005, which has now decreased to Rs 6350 crore in 2016.
Karnataka Most Corrupt State, Police Most Corrupt Public Service
The study found that Karnataka is the most corrupt state in India, as 77% of the respondents from Karnataka admitted that corruption exists. Andhra Pradesh is at #2 with 74% score and Tamil Nadu is at #3 with 68% score.
On the other hand, Himachal Pradesh is the least corrupt state right now, with only 3% of households complaining about corruption there. Kerala is the 2nd least corrupt state with a score of 4% and Chattisgarh is at #3 with 13%.
If we speak about departments where maximum corruption exists, then Police Services tops the list, as 34% of all surveyed households claimed corruption while dealing with the police force. Land/Housing comes at #2 with 24%, and judicial department comes at #3 with 18% score.
Congress Party has strongly questioned this report, as their spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, “Let’s accept official government reports than any surveys with vague assertions and whose veracity is questionable. Recent media reports themselves have indicated at 67% jump in corruption cases,”
Do you believe that corruption has decreased under PM Modi’s leadership? Do let us know by commenting right here!
Full Report (pdf)
Corruption is the root cause why our country is not progressing. It is very deep rooted and to remove it is a herculean task.
IF this is true, it’s good news, but it’s obviously still just a very general statistic….. long way to go before India is TRULY honest, I think!