Essay: Corruption in Society

Essay:                                     Corruption in Society

Outlines:
1. Introduction: A common phenomenon, main cause.
2. Effects of corruption on Society; Peopfe, Govt, good values.
3. Factors that contribute to corruption; Seven factors.
4. - Remedies: Four steps.
5. Conclusion.
Today corruption is almost a world phenomenon, it is, in fact, a universal problem, having existed in all ages. It has clung to mankind-like an incurable disease. In view of ifs general prevalence, scholars have devoted a good deal of thought and attention to this vice. The true reason for corruption, is a desire to get rich by any means. 

In a free and competitive society, investment of capital can yield reasonable returns only in the long run. But corruption or acceptance of bribes promises a rapid change in financial conditions. Originally, the Police and WAPDA were notorious for corruption but now the evil has spread to almost every Department of Government. Even x\\jrts of justice and education are no exceptions.
Prevalence of corruption has created disappointment and . di$<\\>tontrnent among the community. The machinery/ of government gets rusted and ceases to work in the intended manner. Conuption decreases respect for law and sense of allegiance to the government. In a society governed by conupt offioiatSs the whole system of moral, ethical and religious values fe impaired. The distinction between rights, and wrong disappears. Revolutions and military take overs become common. 

Every student of history knows that one of the main causes of the downfall of nations has been corruption. In his famous book, ‘The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’, GibOen has stated that as long as there were even twq, percent honest men in the Roman administration, the Empire’lingered on.
The factors that contribute to the prevalence bf corruption H differ from country to country. Those that are common to most I countries including Pakistan are seven. First, general economic, - condition of the country is poor and everyone tries to feather his I nest Secondly, the rates of remuneration of public functionaries are low. and they are tempted to accept bribes. 

Thirdly, the I general price level and the standard of living are very high: honest means of a person fail him. Fourthly, social conditions  and customs; demand lavish expenditure of money. FifthtyJ there exists no strong opinion against corruption; it has been I accepted as a common thing. Sixthly, laws confer on the public ‘ . servants vast powers and discretions; they take* undue advantage of that. Lastly, there are no adequate means to prevent corruption or bring the offenders to book.
To root out corruption, a complete change of the political, social and economic system is necessary. No revision of pay I scales, however liberal, can reduce corruption. The reason.Is that the wealth targets aimed at by corrupt officials are very high. Similarly, a mere change in Government is quite ineffective. The new Government has to rely on permanent services for its day-9 day administration. Unless the motive or inducement for corruption s removed, corruption will continue. Four steps, however, may be of some use. First, wide discretionary powers should be taken away from individual officials. Secondly, Anti-corruption Department should be made more effective. Thirdly, the minds of the people should be changed by the prevalence of moral values. Lastly, the punishment for corruption should be more exemplary;