Corruption

Darshana Shrestha

Grade 10

The term ‘corruption’ normally refers to acts of dishonesty by people in power. It also refers to the action of exercising power over personal needs. Giving and taking bribes, involving in fraudulent activities, embezzlement, double-dealing, diverting funds, laundering money and private property, not fulfilling responsibilities one is assigned, etc., are all activities that correspond to corruption. Being corrupt is a choice or a decision made by an individual or an organization. There are many situations in which people engage in corruption and are sometimes forced to perform acts of corruption. The primary reason or factor that tempts individuals or groups to involve in corruption is the need or greed for money. In most cases, corruption poses itself as one of the easiest ways to make money, but the truth is that most people involved in corruption do not know the consequences of it. Other reasons could include the urge to be recognized, to exercise authority and establish power, to fit into a social construct that is already corrupt, etc.

Like every other problem, corruption also has a lasting and unpleasant effect on society. All those who indulge in corruption mostly for their selfish needs do not realize the risks involved for themselves and everyone around them. They do not think of the situations they would put their families, relatives, and friends in as a result of their unending urge to make more money. Wealth is a factor that cannot be done with once people know its flavor. Not one who has tasted the sweetness of life with a lot of money would stop finding more and more ways to keep making money. Corruption is seen in every field. In the field of education, hard work and marks are not the factors that would guarantee you a seat in a good college but money. In the professional world, money is the only key that would open doors to a decent job. In the field of medicine, hospitals and doctors take advantage of the situation and neglect to provide treatment unless a huge lump sum of money is paid in advance. The list just goes on. It is a pity that even justice can be claimed if and only if you have a strong financial background. The ones who cannot afford much to pay for their children’s education, job, property, loans, etc. are the ones who are exploited and taken for a ride because they would do anything, spend even the last penny left to get what they need as they have no other choice. This kind of governance only leads to a loss of confidence and trust in the authorities and higher officials who have to safeguard the rights of the common people. In this fast-developing world, all fields of education and work have become very competitive, and as a result of which people go to the extent of giving bribes. In most cases, the people in power seem to take advantage of the helpless situation of the common people.

The main issue is that those who indulge in corruption do not understand the repercussions they would have to face as a result of their actions. It is vital to stop corruption, and the way to do it is to educate every individual about the liabilities of corruption and enforce strict rules of honest and credible governance and exercise of authority.