Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services section at the Ernst and Young (EY) carried out a survey to gauge India Inc’s sentiment towards two of the major problems besotting the country today- bribery and corruption.
Weighed by individual stance and organizational outlook, they observed a shift towards transparency and veracity. A change was seen to be taking place- a piece of information that comes like a whiff of fresh air to the aam aadmi who is taught to be honest and discerning but finds himself face to face with corrupt public servants and officials for getting the smallest of jobs done.
Right from getting an electricity connection at home to getting his pension approved. From getting a driving license to getting away without being served a challan at the traffic signal.
A paradigm shift towards compliance was seen- and that should help bring a smile to the faces of all those who have been made to shell out hard earned money just because there is no getting away without doing so.
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Paying bribes for work or to expedite processes
A resoundingly large number of people (nearly 95%) stated concerns about them being made to grease hands for getting legitimate work done or for expediting certain processes.
The dichotomy of bribery being essential for business in India
The popular public sentiment, though against bribery, has accepted it as a way of life. This being reflected by the fact that 59% of the respondents of this survey accepting that it is impossible to get work done without being a part of the system.
Tone at the top about anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies
Four out of every five people questioned by the EY team (82%) believe that the top management of their company was clear and committed to its approach against such practices.
Gearing up for whistle blowing
87% of the respondents were ready to turn whistle blowers on seeing any unethical activity. Now while that might seem like an exaggerated figure, it is a clear pointer to the fact that a majority of Indians are not happy with the way things function. And also, that they would not mind raising their voices, if only that did not turn the tables against them at a later stage.
Greater enforcement of laws still needed
Though the laws of the land do have measures in place to combat these twin issues, 94% people feel that ‘greater enforceability is required.’
The findings echo the popular sentiment- people are clearly fed up of having to offer bribes. But then, “every country gets the government it deserves,” I strongly believe. While all of us are against this culture, we do not mind being a part of it when it works to our advantage. Till we firmly make up our mind and desist from such practices ourselves, we have no right to condemn those in powerful positions today.
All the same, it is heartening to see that the popular sentiment is turning against corrupt practices.