The Impact of Modi’s Rule on Corruption in India: An SEO-Optimized Analysis
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, the discourse around corruption in India has been hotly debated. India, a country with a population of over 1.3 billion, has made strides in reducing corruption, but the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned. In this article, we delve into the evidence and arguments surrounding corruption under Modi’s rule, providing a balanced analysis based on multiple factors.
Decreased Corruption, but Room for Improvement
According to recent data, corruption has decreased in India during Modi’s rule, primarily due to increased transparency and the direct transfer of benefits to citizens. This method helps eliminate the middlemen and streamline processes, making it harder for corrupt elements to interfere. For instance, Aadhaar, India’s unique identification system, ensures that direct cash transfers reach the intended beneficiaries, reducing the chances of them being intercepted by corrupt officials or middlemen.
Early and Recent Controversies
Despite these positive steps, Modi has faced criticism for still being involved in corruption. According to the Wonders List 2022–2023, he is listed as the fourth most corrupt Prime Minister in the world. Critics argue that corruption has increased during his tenure, notably through practices such as selling Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) at low prices and asking for donations, which often lack transparency and auditing.
Spotlight on Contract and Political Corruption
While there has been a reduction in reported cases of corruption involving minor officials and departments with personal interfaces, the situation remains concerning at ministerial levels. Contracts awarded by ministers have frequently been subject to allegations of corruption. For instance, issues such as the higher premiums on Medicare and increased taxes on goods like insurance and freight have raised eyebrows. These practices, while legally permissible, have been scrutinized for their ethical implications.
International Corruption Rankings
Despite the criticisms, India has shown some improvement in its ranking in corruption indexes. A detailed analysis of data from 1995 to 2022 indicates that India has gradually improved its position on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This improvement is partly due to efforts like the Digital India campaign and the implementation of national e-governance initiatives. Additionally, there have been measures to enhance transparency and accountability, such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act and various anti-corruption watchdogs.
Increased Corruption and Legal Loopholes
However, critics argue that corruption has taken on a new form that is more insidious. The supposed increase in corruption during Modi’s tenure can be attributed to legal loopholes in which the government can now accept black money through the PM CARES Fund. The premium on Medicare has been hiked, and government taxes on various services have been legitimized, which some argue is a form of legal corruption. These practices allow the government to circumvent established norms and oversight mechanisms, reducing public trust in governance.
Conclusion and Recommendations
While there have been notable efforts to reduce corruption in India during Modi’s rule, the issue remains complex and multifaceted. It is essential to address the cultural and systemic factors that foster corruption. Implementing more stringent auditing mechanisms and ensuring transparency at all levels of governance are crucial steps. The government must also be more proactive in conducting audits and raiding activities to root out corruption. Enhancing citizen engagement and fostering a culture of accountability are integral to addressing this challenge effectively.
References and Further Reading
To delve further into the topic, consider reading the following sources:
India Corruption Rank 1995-2019 Data 2020-2022 Forecast Historical Chart Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Reports