When you go to a theatre to watch a movie, and find that there are no tickets left, what do you do? Do you say, “It's okay, we can come another time”? Or do you buy a ticket in black, paying Rs.80 for a ticket when it actually costs Rs.60? Whatever the answer to this question, it shows the level of corruption in our country.
Corruption is the misuse of entrusted power (by heritage, education, marriage, election, appointment or whatever else) for private gain.
Today, corruption is one of the greatest factors hindering development and stifling the realization of democracy. Corruption affects the growth of a nation adversely. It reduces the Government's income, and creates inequalities in distribution of income and wealth. Corruption affects a nation's development economically, socially and politically.
The impact of corruption is very hard on public life. Further, the people involved in corruption seem to be protecting themselves by blaming others. They are even proud of themselves for they made a lot of money in a short time. People also have developed an opinion that it is the only way to get their work done. If not, the work will stay pending for long or might not get done.
Disregard for officials : People start disregarding the official involved in corruption by talking negatively about him. But when they have to work with him or her, they will approach the official with the thought that the work will be done if some monetary compensation is provided.
Lack of respect for leaders : Leaders of the nation like the president or the prime minister lose their respect among the public.
Lack of faith and trust in the government : People vote for a leader based on their faith in him/ her. But if he or she is found to be involved in corruption, people lose faith in their choice of leaders and may not vote the next time.
Lack of development : Many new industries willing to set up in a particular region change their plans if the region is unsuitable. They don't get permission because of the greed of the bureaucrats of that region; this hinders the economic progress of that region.
Lack of quality in services : In a system with corruption there is no quality of service. To demand quality one might need to be loyal. There is a lack of electricity, distribution of relief funds etc.
Poor Health and hygiene : There will be a lack of fresh drinking water, proper roads, poor supply and quality of food and grains, the adulteration of milk, etc.
Accidents : Sanctions of driving licenses without a proper test of driving skills in drivers lead to accidents and death.
“Money that comes today is such that it comes as a result of past merit karma, but binds new demerit karma (paap-anubandhi punya) as it leaves; it is money that creates conflicts. Instead it is better that you have less money, which will at least prevent conflicts from entering your home. Today, money creates an atmosphere of conflict wherever it goes. It is better to have a simple meal of vegetables and bhakhree (Indian flat bread) than thirty-two varieties of delicacies. What use is eating food that creates quarrels while eating? Wealth of current times comes but it brings quarrels with it. Money that comes today will create misery and suffering in its wake. On the other hand, even one rupee that is destined to bind merit karma (punyaanubandhi- punya) will give peace and happiness to everyone; it creates an atmosphere whereby everyone in the home will have positive and religious thoughts.”