India’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 Rank Drops to 96

Syllabus:

GS-2:

Transparency & Accountability , Government Policies & Interventions ,Important International Institutions

Focus:

India ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, with a score of 38, declining from 93rd place in 2023. This indicates worsening perceptions of public sector corruption, highlighting the need for stronger anti-corruption measures and governance reforms.

India’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 Rank Drops to 96

Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI):

  • Definition and Purpose:
    • The CPI is an annual assessment by Transparency International that ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption.
    • It utilizes a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates high corruption and 100 signifies a corruption-free nation.
  • Methodology:
    • The index compiles data from expert assessments and opinion surveys to provide a comprehensive view of public sector corruption worldwide.

How Country Scores Are Calculated:

  • A country’s CPI score is derived from at least 3 data sources out of 13 different corruption surveys and assessments.
  • These data sources come from reputable institutions such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
  • CPI measures perceptions of corruption rather than absolute levels, as corruption is difficult to quantify.
  • Countries are ranked on a 0-100 scale, where 0 = highly corrupt and 100 = very clean.

Significance of CPI Rankings:

  • CPI is the leading global indicator for public sector corruption.
  • It provides a comprehensive picture by combining various aspects of corruption into one globally comparable ranking.
  • The calculation process is regularly reviewed to ensure robustness and accuracy.
  • The index helps governments, policymakers, and businesses understand corruption risks and implement anti-corruption measures.

India’s Performance in 2024:

  • Current Ranking and Score:
    • In the 2024 CPI, India ranks 96th out of 180 countries, with a score of 38.
  • Comparison to Previous Years:
    • 2023: Ranked 93rd with a score of 39.
    • 2022: Ranked 85th with a score of 40.
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Over the past few years, India’s score has declined, indicating a rise in perceived public sector corruption.

Regional Comparison:

  • Neighboring Countries:
    • Pakistan: Ranked 135th.
    • Sri Lanka: Ranked 121st.
    • Bangladesh: Ranked 149th.
    • China: Ranked 76th.
  • Analysis:
    • Among its neighbors, India performs better than Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh but lags behind China in perceived corruption levels.

Global Context:

  • Top Performers (Least Corrupt Nations):
    • Denmark: Ranked 1st as the least corrupt
    • Finland: Ranked 2nd.
    • Singapore: Ranked 3rd.
  • Global Trends:
    • Since 2012, 32 countries have significantly reduced corruption.
    • However, 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened.
    • The global average score remains at 43, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50, indicating widespread corruption issues.

Implications and Recommendations:

  • Impact on Climate Action:
    • Corruption hinders climate action, delaying emission reduction efforts and adaptation measures.
    • Mismanagement of climate funds negatively impacts vulnerable populations.
  • Call to Action:
    • Urgent need to strengthen anti-corruption measures in India and globally.
    • Transparent governance practices are essential to combat corruption
    • Protecting climate-related funds from misuse will enhance the effectiveness of environmental policies.

Challenges and Way Forward for Tackling Corruption:

Challenges:

  • Lack of Strong Enforcement: Weak implementation of anti-corruption laws leads to impunity for corrupt officials.
  • Political Influence: Corruption often exists at high political levels, making it difficult to enforce accountability.
  • Judicial Delays: Slow legal processes and backlogged courts reduce the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.
  • Weak Whistleblower Protection: Fear of retaliation discourages whistleblowers from exposing corruption.
  • Opaque Political Funding: Unregulated campaign financing leads to undue corporate and political influence.
  • Low Public Awareness: Many citizens lack awareness of their rights and available anti-corruption mechanisms.
  • Bureaucratic Red Tape: Complex regulations and excessive paperwork create opportunities for bribery.
  • Limited International Cooperation: Cross-border corruption is difficult to track without strong global collaboration.

Way Forward:

  • Strengthening Institutions: Establish independent anti-corruption bodies with legal authority and autonomy.
  • Judicial Reforms: Ensure faster trials and strict penalties for corruption-related cases.
  • Transparency in Political Funding: Implement strict regulations on campaign financing and corporate donations.
  • Whistleblower Protection: Strengthen legal safeguards and provide incentives for reporting corruption.
  • Technology Integration: Use AI, blockchain, and digital governance to reduce manual corruption opportunities.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens on anti-corruption laws and how to report incidents.
  • International Collaboration: Strengthen global anti-corruption frameworks and cross-border enforcement
  • Simplifying Bureaucracy: Reduce red tape and digitize processes to minimize bribery opportunities.

Conclusion:

India’s declining rank in the Corruption Perceptions Index highlights the urgent need for comprehensive anti-corruption reforms. Addressing governance challenges is crucial for restoring public trust, improving transparency, and ensuring sustainable development.

Source: Business Standard

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the factors contributing to India’s declining rank in the Corruption Perceptions Index and suggest measures to enhance transparency and reduce public sector corruption.