Oiling the cogs

But having said this, a closer examination of the evidence may be in order. It is nothing short of tragic that the most crucial sector of human existence — health — is also the most likely source of corruption. This means that there are armies of professionals out there, from well-respected doctors to clerks and ward boys, who have benefitted personally and immensely from the misery of ordinary folk. Since they are often enough gatekeepers to life itself, they are uniquely placed to dispense preferment in a situation where access to good healthcare is extremely difficult and often unaffordable. The story is repeated in another important sector — that of education. According to the survey, 57 per cent of those interviewed reported they have had to bribe their way into educational institutions, whether they were run privately, or by the government. There is another area of concern — strong evidence of corruption in the judiciary with active assistance from court officials. This recalls Chief Justice S.P. Bharucha’s observation that 20 per cent of his fraternity are prone to wrong-doing.

Clearly, it is in a situation where too many people chase too few goods and services that corruption is most likely to manifest itself. There was a time when people paid huge amounts as consideration to acquire a telephone or a gas connection. This is no longer the case today, thanks to the opening up of the telecom and energy sectors. Economic reform, coupled with administrative reform — implicit in the new Freedom of Information Act for instance — will certainly go some way in cleansing the system.