Political corruption: the abuse of public power, office, or resources by government officials or employees for personal gain, e.g. by extortion, soliciting or offering bribes

The reason I am talking about corruption is because of the Commonwealth Games which MAY be taking place in Delhi in 48 hours. The games are on a knife edge, and it looks likely that they maybe cancelled altogether.

A massive international embarrassment, and one which will knock many of those people who said that India is an emerging power on the world stage. Where China had its stunning opening ceremony for the Olympics, and the games that were watched around the world in awe, India has incomplete buildings, dangerous stadia and countries threatening to pull out left right and centre.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/sep/22/commonwealth-games-knife-edge-england

It made me think of the one thing that will probably continue to hold the country back, and that is corruption. India is rotten. Now I am under no illusion that corruption is not rife in every government the world over. From the US, to the UK, to anywhere else where people are given power over others. But it seems the country is wholly at the will of individuals.

The economy of India was under socialist-inspired policies for an entire generation from the 1950s until the 1980s. The economy was subject to extensive regulation, protectionism, and public ownership, leading to pervasive corruption and slow growth.

Several observations made by official agencies have described a criminal network which is  virtually running a parallel government. They also discuss criminal gangs who enjoy the patronage of politicians, of all parties, and the protection of government functionaries. Political leaders have become the leaders of gangs. They are connected to the military. Over the years, criminals have been elected to local bodies, State Assemblies and Parliament. Parliament! You’d have thought a criminal record would prevent you from running for political office. No wonder they are always fighting in there!

One of the major problems and obstacles to development that many developing countries face is corruption by greedy, power-hungry politicians, which is endemic in certain parts of the world, India being one of them.

Now I am not bashing the country, but again it seems the will of individuals will have a massive impact on the lives of millions. Internationally the image of snake charmers and begging street children will continue to define us. They have had since 2003 to get the preparations for the event in check, but they have failed in doing so, and someone will have gotten very rich as a result. 

- Anand