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150 Words10 Marks

Q.“Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development.” Discuss Kautilya’s views.

UPSC Mains 2016•Ethics & Integrity

Model Answer

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Approach

  1. Introduction (Definition) (30-40 words)
    • Briefly define corruption and introduce Kautilya’s view on corruption as a major threat to administrative efficiency, economic prosperity, and national progress.
  2. Body (Explanation) (80-90 words)
    • Discuss how Corruption causes misuse of government treasury with examples
    • Discuss how corruption leads to administrative inefficiency
    • Show how corruption ultimately proves an obstruction in the path of national development.
  3. Conclusion (20 words)
    • Emphasize how corruption destroys governance, misuses public funds, and hampers development. Kautilya’s principles—strict accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership—remain essential for building a corruption-free and efficient administration in modern India.

Introduction

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an ancient Indian scholar and strategist whose work Arthashastra provides a detailed analysis of governance, economics, and statecraft. In his treatise, Kautilya offers insights into the detrimental effects of corruption on governance and development, which align closely with contemporary concerns about corruption’s impact on state institutions and national progress.

graph TD
    Kautilya["Kautilya's Views on Corruption"]
    Kautilya --> Misuse["Misuse of Government Treasury"]
    Kautilya --> Inefficiency["Administrative Inefficiency"]
    Kautilya --> Obstruction["Obstruction to National Development"]

    Kautilya --> Recommendations["Kautilya's Recommendations"]
    Recommendations --> Vigilance["Vigilance and Surveillance"]
    Recommendations --> Punishment["Strict Punishment"]
    Recommendations --> Transparency["Transparency and Accountability"]

Body

Kautilya’s Views on Corruption

  • Misuse of Government Treasury: In Arthashastra, Kautilya emphasizes the importance of efficient management of state resources. He argues that corruption leads to the misuse of the government treasury by diverting funds intended for public welfare and state development into personal gains of corrupt officials.
  • Administrative Inefficiency: Kautilya views corruption as a major cause of administrative inefficiency. He asserts that corrupt practices disrupt the smooth functioning of administrative processes by promoting favoritism, bribery, and nepotism.
  • Obstruction in the Path of National Development: Kautilya identifies corruption as a significant obstacle to national development. He argues that corruption impedes progress by creating an environment where development projects are hampered, and resources are wasted.

Kautilya’s Recommendations

  • Vigilance and Surveillance: Kautilya advocates for stringent surveillance and monitoring of officials to prevent corrupt practices. He recommends the establishment of effective mechanisms to oversee the activities of public servants and ensure their accountability.
  • Strict Punishment for Corruption: In Arthashastra, Kautilya emphasizes the need for severe penalties for those engaged in corrupt activities. He believes that strong deterrents are necessary to discourage corruption and maintain the integrity of the administrative system.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Kautilya underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. He suggests implementing systems that ensure openness in administrative processes and make officials answerable for their actions.

Conclusion

Kautilya’s views on corruption, as outlined in Arthashastra, remain highly relevant in understanding the detrimental effects of corruption on governance and national development. His insights into the misuse of government resources, administrative inefficiency, and obstacles to development highlight the need for effective measures to combat corruption. By advocating for vigilance, strict penalties, and transparency, Kautilya provides a timeless framework for addressing corruption and promoting good governance. The application of these principles continues to be crucial in enhancing the effectiveness and integrity of modern administrative systems.

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