In your opinion what are the main causes of corruption in our country and what steps should be taken by the government to curb it?

Corruption is a term with many meanings, but generally it entails misusing one’s office for a private gain or unofficial end. It involves both a monetary and non-monetary benefit. Bribery, extortion, influence peddling, nepotism, scams, fraud, ‘grease money’, and opportunism readily spring to mind.

 Usually, the very work environment and culture either foster or discourage corrupt practices as the following two scenarios indicate.Since 1995, Transparency International has published an annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)ordering the countries of the world according to "the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians".The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Indexshows that India has slipped three places in global rankings of most corrupt countries, from 84 in 2009 to 87 this year.

Eradication of corruption should be the nation’s number-one priority in view of the ever-increasing horizon of political and administrative corruption and its baneful multifarious effects on the society-at-large. It needs to be understood by all that eradication of corruption is only possible if strong political commitment exists. Committed political leadership, reoriented bureaucracy and an organized and vocal civil society - other policy measures need to be adopted to effectively contain as well as control corruption.

First, the basic institution of good governance needs to be strengthened. At the headof this list is the judiciary, which is itself the guardian of laws and integrity. But if thejudiciary is itself corrupt, the problem is compounded and the public at large withoutrule of law.

Second, the capacity and integrity of enforcement need to be enhanced. The best lawhas no value if it is not enforced. The best judges and magistrates are wasted if casesare never brought to them. Good investigations are wasted effort if the judge ormagistrate is corrupt.

Third, a government needs to put in place a solid set of preventive tools. Codes ofConduct and strong independent oversight bodies can help ensure that the acceptablestandards of behavior are respected in both the private and public sector. Politicalleaders in all branches of government, legislative and judiciary can be required tohave transparency in their own financial dealings through asset disclosure forthemselves and their family members.

Fourth, the public needs to be educated on the advantages of good governance andparticipate in promoting it. The public itself bears a large share of responsibility forinsisting on honesty and integrity in government and business. The public needs tolearn: (a) not to let anybody buy their vote; (b) not to pay bribes themselves; (c) toreport incidents of corruption to the authorities; and (d) to teach their children theright values;