CORRUPTION AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ANTI- CORRUPTION LAWS IN INDIA

Abstract

The roots of India’s civil services can be traced back to ancient times, with administrative practices documented in Vedic texts. During the Vedic period (1500- 500 BCE), governance was closely tied to religious and social norms, with officials assisting the king in administrative duties. This early system laid the groundwork for the more structured civil services that would evolve over the centuries. The development of civil services continued through the Mauryan period, with Kautilya’s “Arthashastra” providing a detailed blueprint for the appointment, duties, and ethical conduct of public officials. This period marked the beginning of a more formalised administrative framework, which further evolved during the Gupta era. The British colonial period saw the establishment of the Indian Civil Service (ICS), which played a crucial role in the administration of British India. The ICS was characterised by a high degree of professionalism and was instrumental in maintaining administrative continuity. Post-independence, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) replaced the ICS, adapting to the needs of a democratic and sovereign nation. The IAS, along with other All-India Services like the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS), was designed to provide a uniform administrative framework across the country. The Indian Constitution, through various articles, ensured the role of these services in maintaining governance continuity through political changes. Corruption remains a significant challenge within India’s civil services, affecting the efficiency and integrity of public administration. The dissertation delves into the various forms of corruption, from petty bribery to grand corruption involving high- ranking officials. The Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption defined corruption as the improper exercise of power for personal gain and highlighted the avenues of corruption opened by the “license raj”. The central government has implemented several anti-corruption laws to combat this issue. Institutions like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) play pivotal roles in enforcing these laws. Despite these measures, corruption continues to pose a significant obstacle to the country’s development.