Part - I

Introduction

"It is human nature to yearn for freedom. Therefore, those systems of organization, which are based on democracy and individual liberty, are most suited to human needs. Nevertheless the very conditions that allow for freedom in democracy are also open to abuse and provide greater opportunities for individual misdeeds. There is more chance of dishonest and deceptive behaviour."

- S. Dalai Lama

From the community relation point of view, bribe is a form of exchange, which is not socially regulated. It's a parallel social order by which distribution of deficit resources is made under the conditions of unequal access to the system of distribution of wealth and power in the society. Bribe has literally entered every walk of life, every profession and every area of activity - in relations with authorities on different levels - from acquiring ordinary information to obtaining a privileged position regarding the realization of resources. In some cases, like paying bribe to get a ticket in the football match or to get the telephone connection immediately or to avoid standing in the queue of cinema hall/railway booking counter may seem completely redundant if we look into it a little deeper. The process would have functioned smoothly without any exchange of money. Still bribe is there - it has become a routine work. Nobody questions it any longer. Hence, bribe is a kind of suicidal social habit that firmly and solidly corrodes trust in institutions and in principal multiples the engagements within the framework of a completely pro-corruption attitude. In higher level, people pay bribe to get elected in a prominent position and once elected we start taking bribe to get other's jobs done. Hence, this is a mutual process that moves on cyclically.

Conceptual Framework

Definition

WorldNet dictionary:
1. Payment to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment.
2. Make illegal payment to in exchange for favour or influence.

Webster's 1913 dictionary:
A price, reward, gift or favour bestrewed or promised with a view to prevent the judgment or corrupt the conduct of a judge, witness, voter or other person in a position of trust.

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* Contributed by -
Priyanka Ghosh,
PGP 2003- 2005,
XIM Bhubaneswar.