Table of Contents
Context: India ranked 93 out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023, as against 85 in 2022.
About Corruption Perceptions Index
- Released by – Transparency International.
- Rankings – It ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people.
- Scale – 0 to 100
- 0 – Highly corrupt
- 100 – Very clean.
- India’s Score – 39 ( 40 in 2022)
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Key Findings of Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 Report
India’s Performance
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- India’s score shows fluctuations small enough that no firm conclusions can be drawn on any significant change.
- Reason for weak scores – Lack of delivery by elected officials on anti-corruption agendas,narrowing of civic space, crackdowns on organised civil society and attacks on freedoms of press, assembly and association.
- Over two-thirds of countries score below 50 out of 100, which strongly indicates that they have serious corruption problems.
- The index ranked Denmark at the top, followed by Finland, New Zealand and Norway.
- The bottom of the index included Myanmar (162), Afghanistan (162) and North Korea (172). At rank 180 was Somalia with the lowest score of 11.
- In South Asia – Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka grapple with their respective debt burdens and ensuing political instability.
Global Corruption Levels
- The report reveals that more than two-thirds of the 180 countries assessed score below 50 out of 100, indicating a prevalent and widespread corruption problem globally.
- The global average score remains stagnant at 43, emphasizing the persistent challenge in making substantial progress in combating corruption on a global scale over the past decade.
Top-Performing Countries
- Denmark continues to lead the index for the sixth consecutive year, securing the top spot with a score of 90.
- Finland and New Zealand closely follow with scores of 87 and 85, respectively.
- These top performers consistently exhibit robust anti-corruption measures and well-functioning institutions.
Bottom-ranked Countries
- The lowest-ranked countries in the CPI 2023 include Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen.
- These nations are marked by protracted crises, armed conflicts, and political instability, contributing significantly to their severe corruption challenges.
Global Average Score
- The global average score of 43 underscores the ongoing struggle to combat corruption effectively.
- The lack of significant improvement across the majority of countries suggests a need for more robust and sustained anti-corruption efforts globally.
Rule of Law Index Connection
- The report highlights a notable correlation between the Rule of Law Index and the Corruption Perceptions Index.
- Countries with well-functioning justice systems tend to score higher on both indices, emphasizing the link between access to justice and lower levels of corruption.
Factors Contributing to Corruption
- The report identifies both authoritarian and democratic leaders as contributors to the undermining of justice, leading to increased impunity for corrupt acts.
- Corruption, particularly bribery and abuse of power, has infiltrated many global judicial institutions, limiting access to justice for vulnerable populations.
Global Recommendations
- The report emphasizes the urgent need for strong justice systems globally to effectively combat corruption.
- It advocates for international collaboration and coordinated efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures and justice systems.
State of Indian Neighbors
- Pakistan and Sri Lanka face political instability and debt burdens but demonstrate strong judicial oversight.
- Bangladesh, despite emerging from Least Developed Country status, faces challenges due to a crackdown against the press.
- China’s aggressive anti-corruption measures raise questions about long-term effectiveness, relying heavily on punishment.
Implications of Corruption
- The report outlines the profound implications of corruption on people, public life, society, and the economy.
- Consequences include a lack of quality services, distrust in government, discouragement of whistle-blowing, and negative economic impacts.
Significance of Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 Report
• Global Overview: Over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, indicating widespread corruption.
• Top Performers: Denmark leads with a score of 90, followed by Finland (87) and New Zealand (85).
• Bottom-ranked Countries: Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen face severe corruption challenges.
• India’s Performance: Ranked 93, India’s score is 39, a slight decrease from the previous year.
• Rule of Law Connection: Strong correlation between Rule of Law Index and Corruption Perceptions Index.
• Factors Contributing to Corruption: Authoritarian and democratic leaders undermining justice, contributing to increased impunity.
• Global Recommendations: Urgent need for strong global justice systems and international collaboration.
• State of Indian Neighbors: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China face unique challenges.
• Implications of Corruption: Profound effects on people, society, and the economy globally.
• Call for Action: Emphasis on policy reforms, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.