Corruption and Development

Corruption is abuse of public trust for private gain. It is a symptom of failed policies, an evil phenomenon that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It underminesdemocracy and the rule of Law, leads to violation of human rights, distorts market, erodes the quality of life and distorts competition. It is a main obstacle of economic development. Poverty and illiteracy together with adoption of inappropriate development strategy, negligence of democratic institutions and the rules and regulations of civil society, convert corruption to cancer diseases, endangering the very foundations ofeconomic, social and political life. It has to be eradicated as early as possible. Attempt has to be made directly, to reduce the discretion of public officials and increasing the probability of detection of corrupt behaviors through appropriate rules and regulations. While strengthening the monitoring procedures is important, efforts have to be made to enforce contracts and protect the rights of individuals. Speedy and stiff punishment ofwrongdoers is very significant in this regards. At the same time, it is essential to undertake fundamental changes in policies and institutions. Transparency and accountability, reduction of concentration of power and establishment of democraticinstitutions and the rule of law, help to empower the people to have a social watch on authorities, thereby, reducing opportunity for corruptive behaviors.