Understanding Bribery: Definitions, Differences, and Consequences

In this episode, we explore the concept of bribery, exploring its definition, differences from extortion and gifts, and the severe consequences it brings.

Episode Overview 

Definition of Bribery: Bribery involves a payment made to a public official to induce favourable actions, often violating official duties and regulations.

Bribery vs. Extortion: Extortion involves an official demanding payment without a legal claim, often threatening harm if not paid.

Bribery vs. Gifts: Bribes involve a bilateral agreement for influence, whereas gifts are unilateral without an expectation of reciprocation.

Key Points

Cost of Bribery: Bribery undermines impartiality, compromises national interests, and can lead to disastrous consequences like the 1993 Bombay Blasts.

Harm to Society: Bribery corrupts political and commercial life, causing instability, market distortion, resource wastage, and a loss of public trust.

Violation of Duty: Accepting bribes violates a public official’s duty of loyalty and trust, damaging the integrity of their office.

Watch the full video on YouTube to understand the full scope of bribery's impact and why combating it is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in public service and beyond.

Relevance to GS IV Ethics

Bribery is connected to the syllabus topic of Ethical Concerns in Public Services 

In GS IV there is a theme on corruption and bribery forms a part of it

There were case studies on Bribery in previous years (2014; 2016)