A Troubling Reality

A recent report by LocalCircles has unveiled a concerning trend in India's business landscape: 66% of firms admitted to resorting to bribery in the last year to secure favorable outcomes. This practice, often necessary for timely processing or to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, highlights the ongoing challenge of corruption in the country.

The Extent of the Problem

The report further revealed that 54% of the respondents were compelled to bribe, while 46% did so voluntarily. Only 16% claimed to have managed their affairs without bribery, and 19% reported no need for it. Bribery remains a common practice when dealing with government departments for permits, licenses, or property matters.

Despite Digitization

Despite digital initiatives like the Government eProcurement Marketplace aimed at reducing corruption, opportunities for malpractice persist in areas such as supplier qualification, bid manipulation, and payments. Survey participants reported bribes paid to various officials, including GST, pollution, municipal, and power department personnel.

A Slight Decline

Interestingly, the survey also noted a decline in both the frequency and value of bribes paid over the past year. However, Aakash Sharma from Deloitte India emphasized the need for robust anti-corruption programs as corruption cases and regulatory changes continue to evolve.