Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: Corruption

Friday, July 9, 2021

Corruption – A Mathematical View

Whenever I see media reports of rampant corruption and scams in all spheres of life – I sometimes wonder why corruption cannot be eradicated.

Then – I remember this article I had written long back...

CORRUPTION IN A NUTSHELL

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FORMULA for CORRUPTION

Musings of a Veteran

VIKRAM KARVE

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A MATHEMATICAL FORMULA FOR CORRUPTION

One morning while browsing through my old diaries I chanced upon something interesting – a formula for corruption which was told to me by one of my colleagues long back – and – which I had jotted down in my diary.

Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion – Accountability

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Or simply put:

C = M + D – A

where

Corruption (C) equals Monopoly Power (M) plus Discretionary Power (D) minus Accountability (A)

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I had posted this corruption formula earlier in my blog.

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REVISED FORMULA for CORRUPTION

After observing the proliferating corruption and scams – I thought about it.

And – I realized that I had missed out one very important aspect – which should feature in the corruption formula – TRANSPARENCY.

Yes – I feel that TRANSPARENCY can help reduce corruption – especially in this age of Information Technology and Internet.

So – here is my Revised Formula for CORRUPTION

Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion – Accountability – Transparency

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Or simply put:

C = M + D – A – T

where

Corruption (C) equals Monopoly Power (M) plus Discretionary Power (D) minus Accountability (A) minus Transparency (T)

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Do have a look around and see for yourself whether this formula is really applicable.

Or – would you like to add some are other factors too which contribute to corruption...?

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HOW TO CONTROL CORRUPTION

Going by this formula – it seems to be very easy to reduce corruption – isn’t it...?

In order to reduce corruption – you simply have to:

1. Reduce Monopoly (by increasing competition)

2. Eliminate Discretionary Powers to give or to withhold largess (by fair and participatory decision making)

3. Fix precise and proper Accountability (by proper rules and regulations)

4. Ensure Total Transparency (especially thorough widespread use of Information Technology).

If it is indeed so simple to control corruption – then why don't we do it...?

WHY CORRUPTION IS NOT BEING CONTROLLED

The reason why no one wants to control corruption is quite clear.

Most people – especially the powers-that-be – they benefit from corruption.

In fact – a large section of society – so many people – they all thrive on corruption.

And nowadays – there is no social stigma attached to corruption.

If you look around – you will observe that so many corrupt persons who are involved in scams and amassed huge amounts of wealth – they seem to have a respectable place in society and enjoy great social status.

This is because in the present-day social scenario:

It is the triumvirate of your Power, Wealth and Fame – which determine your status in society.

In today’s world – things like honesty, integrity and character will not earn you much respect.

In fact – you may be dubbed a fool if you are honest and straightforward.

So many people benefit from corruption.

So – why should anyone want to eliminate corruption...?

The fact of the matter is that most people are happy with corruption and they have no interest in eradicating corruption.

Think about it.

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VIKRAM KARVE

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