India is a country that has seen its share of corruption, as exemplified by its 78th placement out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2018. This was an improvement on 2017’s ranking at 81st place, however it marked a decline from its 79th placement in 2016. Transparency International releases this index, which measures perceived public sector corruption levels according to the opinions of both business professionals and industry experts. The Index scores each country between 0 and 100, where 0 indicates high corruption and 100 signifies cleanliness.
Key Findings
The troubling truth uncovered in the findings of the CPI is that most countries fail to take control of corruption, leading to a global democracy crisis. Lack of political willpower, weak institutions and limited political rights creates a climate where corruption flourishes without opposition.
The majority of nations, more than two-thirds, score less than 50, with the average score being a mere 43. Denmark and New Zealand lead the pack with 88 and 87 points respectively, while Somalia, South Sudan, and Syria are at the index’s bottom scoring 10, 13 and 13 points respectively.
Global Regional Analysis
Regionally speaking, Western Europe and the European Union hold the highest score with an average of 66. On the other hand, Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia show the lowest averages at 32 and 35 respectively.
The United States, with a score of 71, lost four points compared to the previous year, falling out of the top 20 for the first time since 2011. This drop corresponds with current threats to the US system of checks and balances, and also an erosion of ethical norms at the pinnacle of power.
Fact Table
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| Country | CPI Score 2018 |
|---|---|
| Denmark | 88 |
| New Zealand | 87 |
| India | 41 |
| United States | 71 |
| Somalia | 10 |
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Indian Scenario
India improved its score marginally in the year 2018, scoring 41 compared to its score of 40 in 2017. Public mobilisation against corruption and high voter turnout led to the formation of new governments and the introduction of anti-corruption reforms in countries like India, Malaysia, the Maldives, and Pakistan. However, these recent developments have yet to translate into concrete action against corruption.
Way Forward
Transparency International suggests several strategies to combat corruption and strengthen democracy. Governments worldwide are urged to empower institutions responsible for overseeing political power and ensure their operation without fear of intimidation. Additionally, efforts should be made to close the gap between anti-corruption legislation, practices and enforcement. Local level government spending must also be kept under scrutiny by supporting civil society organisations and encouraging political engagement. A free and autonomous media is vital for this fight, and the safety of journalists must be ensured to prevent any form of intimidation or harassment.
About Transparency International
Transparency International is an international NGO with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. Since its establishment in 1993, it has made concerted efforts to combat corruption and prevent criminal activities that arise from it. The organization publishes various reports such as the Global Corruption Barometer and the Corruption Perceptions Index.