Corruption in India

Corruption is the major issue in media these days, one after the other, scams are unfolding, each one more cunningly committed than the previous one. I am surprised that we call this corrupt administration a democracy. I strongly believe that the immunity provided to the higher government officials, the ability to play with the system and the nexus of officials from bottom to top are the chief reasons why corruption is so much prevalent and so 'normal' in our government set up. The excuse that the salaries are not good in government sector is no longer valid  as the salaries have increased modestly after the implementation of sixth pay  commission's recommendations. Then, I am unable to understand what compels an official or a politician to use corrupt means to garner money and kinds. the Commonwealth Games, the Adarsh scam, the 2G spectrum scam, all have made me feel worried and insecure about the future of my country. Another painful aspect of this is that the sufferer is the one who is at the bottom of the social ladder and who is most direly in need of transparent and effective government services. Also, corruption has been very well accepted as normal in our society. It is not uncommon to see people congratulating their friends and relatives who get appointed in government services mostly because their friend or relative will now make lots of 'under the table' money very soon. This acceptance in the society is an offshoot of Colonial era where government officials had enormous powers which could be used for public as well as self- service. However, colonial era is not the only reason for corruption in Indian society. We need to have really strong laws to punish those involved in corrupt practices. It is not that people don't know that corruption is bad, that it eats away the taxpayer's money, that it hinders development but still there is less revolt on this issue than on religion, region or caste in India. The fact that India has free media is a boon because it can be used to both expose the scams and also educate the masses.