The Corruption Perception Index (CPI), a prominent feature in the news recently, is a yearly report released by Transparency International, an international non-governmental organization based in Berlin, Germany. Established in 1993, its primary focus is combating global corruption through the implementation of civil societal anti-corruption measures, and the prevention of criminal activities resulting from corruption. Its publications, such as the Global Corruption Barometer and the CPI, are extremely influential.
Fundamental of the Corruption Perception Index
The Index provides a ranking for 180 countries and territories based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, as viewed by experts and businesspeople. It utilizes 13 independent data sources and employs a scale of zero to 100, with zero implying high corruption and 100 indicating a very clean status. Statistics show that over two-thirds of countries (approximately 68%) score below the midpoint of 50, and the average global score remains static at 43.
Trends and Top Performers in the Corruption Perception Index
Over the last decade, control of corruption has either stagnated or worsened in around 86% of countries. In contrast, 25 countries have significantly improved their scores since 2012, although 23 countries have declined in the same period. Top performers in this year’s index include Denmark, Finland and New Zealand, each scoring an impressive 88 points. Other countries in the top 10 include Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany.
Reviewing the Bottom Performers in the Index
On the flip side, South Sudan, Syria, and Somalia remain at the bottom of the index, each with worrying scores of 11, 13, and 13 respectively. Countries embroiled in armed conflict or under the grip of authoritarianism tend to earn the lowest scores. This group includes nations like Venezuela, Afghanistan, North Korea, Yemen, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Turkmenistan.
India’s Performance in the Corruption Perception Index
India’s rank has seen a slight dip over the years, moving from 80 in 2019 to 86 in 2020 and currently standing at 85 among 180 countries. With a CPI score of 40, India ranks above all its neighbors except Bhutan. However, concerns are raised over India’s democratic status, decay of fundamental freedoms, and weakening institutional checks and balances.
Decline of Democracy and the Rise of Authoritarianism
Incidents of repression of opposition supporters, closure of media outlets, violence against protesters, and killing of human rights defenders have cast a dark shadow over global democracy and human rights. Civil liberties are now being undermined not just in countries with weak institutions and high corruption, but also in established democracies.
Suggestions for Combating Corruption and Upholding Democracy
To break free from this cycle of corruption, human rights violations, and declining democracy, people are encouraged to demand their governments to uphold necessary rights, restore institutional checks, combat transnational corruption, and promote transparency in government spending. Additionally, effective control of corruption can be achieved through engagement of informed citizens who can assemble freely, voice their opinions openly, and expose corruption without fear.
Role of Anti-Corruption Agencies
Countries devoid of anti-corruption agencies or those with weakening institutions need to uphold principles outlined in the 2012 Jakarta Statement on Anti-Corruption Agencies. Adherence to regional commitments like the Teieniwa Vision and universal anti-corruption instruments like the United Nations Convention against Corruption is also crucial.
Indian Initiatives Against Corruption
In the context of India, several initiatives have been made to combat corruption. These include legal frameworks established by the Indian Penal Code, 1860; Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010; The Companies Act, 2013; and The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The Central Vigilance Commission also plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the Indian administration.
