Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Corruption is one of the most pervasive and damaging challenges faced by nations worldwide. It undermines economic prosperity, weakens institutions, exacerbates social inequalities, and erodes public trust. Kautilya, in his book Arthashastra, offered timeless insights into the dangers of corruption and methods for its control.

Body:

Impact of Corruption on National Development:

• Economic Consequences: Corruption distorts markets by inflating costs, deterring investment, and diverting public funds from essential services, leading to inefficiency and slower economic growth.
• Social Exclusion: Corruption disproportionately harms marginalized and vulnerable groups by denying them access to social welfare schemes, justice, and opportunities.
  • For example, widespread diversion of subsidized food grains under PDS in several states weakens poverty alleviation efforts and harms equity and trust in welfare delivery.
• Erosion of Rule of Law: Corruption weakens democratic institutions by fostering patronage, nepotism, and clientelism.
  • Public officials prioritize personal gain over public interest, undermining the credibility of government and its ability to enforce laws equitably.
• Political Instability and Conflict: When corruption becomes systemic, it leads to public disillusionment, protests, and sometimes violence.
  • It can destabilize governments and hinder long-term policy continuity, affecting national development trajectories.

Kautilya’s Views on Corruption and Governance:

Kautilya’s Arthashastra ( 4th century BCE) regarded corruption as a grave threat to the king’s authority and the welfare of the state. His approach to tackling corruption was multifaceted:

• Strict Legal Framework and Punishments: Kautilya prescribed harsh penalties for corrupt officials, including fines, imprisonment, or even death, to act as strong deterrents.
• Surveillance and Intelligence: The king was advised to employ a network of spies and auditors to monitor officials’ conduct, detect corrupt practices early, and ensure accountability.
• Moral Education: Kautilya emphasized training officials in ethical duties and fostering loyalty to the state and its people. He recognized the importance of cultivating integrity among administrators.
• Checks and Balances: The Arthashastra advocates dividing administrative responsibilities and implementing overlapping checks to prevent concentration of power that could facilitate corruption.
• Public Welfare Focus: Kautilya stressed that good governance must prioritize public welfare; any betrayal of this trust through corruption weakens the state’s foundation.

Conclusion:

Kautilya’s prescriptions anticipate many modern anti-corruption measures, including institutional transparency, independent oversight, and strong legal deterrence. His pragmatic approach blends ethical education with enforcement, underscoring that combating corruption requires both moral leadership and structural reforms.