Anti-Corruption Measures

Anti-corruption measures in India comprise the legal, institutional, and administrative mechanisms designed to prevent, detect, and penalize the misuse of public office for private gain.

Under Indian Polity & Governance

• They constitute a key component of GS Paper 2 under governance and statutory bodies, as well as GS Paper 4 regarding public service ethics.
• Understanding these frameworks is essential for evaluating the operational efficacy and independence of oversight entities like the Central Vigilance Commission, Lokpal, and investigative agencies.
• They reflect the structural shift in Indian administration from purely reactive criminal prosecution toward preventive governance, administrative simplification, and digital transparency.

UPSC frequently frames questions around jurisdictional overlaps, structural constraints, and autonomy issues among statutory oversight bodies. Questions often ask candidates to critically evaluate the balance between ensuring administrative accountability and protecting civil servants from vexatious prosecution. In the Ethics paper, the focus evaluates how legal protections and administrative reforms foster a culture of organizational integrity.

• Probity in Governance GS4

• Judges Inquiry Act proceedings against former High Court judge Yashwant Varma 22 July