India’s corruption rank remained largely unchanged in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), scoring 39 out of 100 and ranking 93rd out of 180 countries. This stagnation comes despite the Indian government’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
The CPI is an annual ranking that measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries around the world. It is based on expert assessments and business people’s opinions.
India’s score of 39 is the same as its score in 2022, and its rank has only improved by two places since 2021. This suggests that India’s corruption problem remains a significant challenge.
The report notes that India’s score is “small enough that no firm conclusions can be drawn on any significant change.” However, it also highlights some concerns about the state of democracy in India, including the passage of a telecommunications bill that could be a “grave threat” to fundamental rights.
The report also found that other countries in South Asia, such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka, are also struggling with corruption. Pakistan ranked 133rd on the CPI, while Sri Lanka ranked 115th. Both countries are grappling with debt burdens and political instability, which are contributing factors to their corruption problems.
However, the report also notes that some countries in the region are making progress in fighting corruption. Bangladesh, for example, has emerged from the least developed country (LDC) status and is experiencing economic growth that is helping to reduce poverty and improve living conditions. The report also notes that Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has strengthened citizens’ right to information.
China, which has made headlines for its aggressive anti-corruption crackdown, scored 76 on the CPI. The report notes that China has punished more than 3.7 million public officials for corruption over the last decade. However, the report also raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness of China’s anti-corruption measures, as the country relies heavily on punishment rather than institutional checks on power.
The 2023 CPI also found that the Asia Pacific region is facing a big 2024 election year, with people coming out to vote in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, South Korea, and Taiwan. The report warns that the region is making little to no progress in curbing corruption, and that very few countries are showing sustained turnarounds.
India will need to take further steps to address its corruption problem if it wants to improve its ranking on the CPI. These steps could include strengthening democratic institutions, increasing transparency, and cracking down on corruption in the public sector.
Overall, the 2023 CPI is a reminder that corruption remains a major challenge in many parts of the world, including India. The report also highlights the importance of strong democratic institutions and a free press in the fight against corruption.
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