ROLE OF YOUTH IN CURBING CORRUPTION

if we are to reach real peace in this world, we shall begin with the
youth
Mahatma Gandhi

The duty of youth is to challenge corruption

Kurt Cobain

In the last decade, the term Demographic Dividend has dominated

newspaper columns and magazines and prime time electronic media. It
refers to the dividends that the massive youth population of our
country in the age group of 15-29 years , which can bring about in the
area of economic growth and prosperity. to our country with the right
guidance and skilling. The spurt in the young population may not
necessarily yield dividend. Many sociologists and economists flag the
crying need to build the human capital in the country. Unless the
capacity and the skill-set of the youth are built and employment
avenues made available, the demographic dividend would not be a
reality.

Interestingly, the same youth has been evincing interest in the socio-
economic dynamics and political statecraft.
This important segment of the society with an increasing panache for
technology has been striving to bring in more transparency in the
society and public life. is same Demographic Dividend can play and
is playing This trend is discernible not just in India but in other parts of
the globe. Social media and technology have helped this cause
immensely.
a major role in curbing corruption in public and private life in India.
Corruption today has transcended all age groups, cultures and
countriesstereotypes. It and plagues institutions across all spheres.
While in the past, bribery and embezzlement constituted corruption,
today a deficit in moral values and ethical corruption, today a deficit in
moral values and ethical dealings all around has evoked pundits to
broaden the definition of the term. With a much broader framework,
the role of the youth in enforcing accountability mechanisms
demanding minimum service standards and creating awareness about
the menace has grown manifold.

As young peopleThe Youth needs to we need to realize the power and

influence we they have. , Wwhen the youth young people come
forward and organize themselves for any particular cause, impossible
really becomes nothing. If we look back into the corridors of history we
will learn that the Arab spring were sparked by the youth. Though
corruption affects all it tends to hit the youth where it hurts most, in
diminishing job prospects, denying access to education and general
social development of young people eventually subjecting them to a
gloomy future.
If the notion that says IN YOUTH WE LEARN, IN AGE WE
UNDERSTAND is anything to go by then its safe to suggest that the
leading generation has defied it greatly.
At the societal level, it is the school and parental upbringing that
influences the ethical behavior of the child. Making the child aware
about what the right thing is encouraging and praising him/her for acts
of propriety and moral value lessons in schools are essential to ingrain
values into the child. Once the child reaches his/her youth, this value
system holds him/her in good stead. He/she can question wrongdoings,
frown upon colleagues who cheat and influence the press group to be
honest.
 At the college level, young people can play a more pro-active
role by monitoring activities and use of funds via vigilance
committees.
Further determination to not take the short cut by giving bribes
can be inculcated in people by satirical dramas and plays,
educational workshops etc. the youth in collaboration with civil
society can help enforce citizen charters and demand answers
from authorities.
With a large number of youth using social media. Those who ask
for bribes can be shamed as well as those who give bribes and
complaints can filed on twitter handles of government
organisations.
New modes of technology are also helping in revealing
antecedents of public servants and politicians with higher
education and skills, youth helping police and forensics in money
laundering cases too.

Lately PILs (public interest litigation) are being used as a tool to

check immoral and corrupt behavior of public servants. Most of
these PILs are filed by members of the youth who fearlessly
investigate matters and have evidence ready on call.
Similarly the use of RTI by youth has provided information on
election funding, antecedents of representatives etc. this is a
significant step since extravagant election expenditure is one of
the major factors behind corruption.

However in spite of pro- activeness there are a few obstacles that

hamper the young in the process
1. Fear of rebuke and reprehension from criminal elements.
2. Lack of incentive to take action or unearth fraud
3. Long drawn legal process
4. Lack of support from peers at times and society branding the
person as difficult.
Hence to tap the exuberance of the youth it is important to have a
False Claims Act where 40% of proceeds of corrupt money
detected goes to the person. This would act as a huge incentive.
Further the whistleblowers Act enacted recently should help. Most
importantly, the culture of discipline needs to be encouraged amongst
all across strata. It is then that we can derive the benefits of the
Demographic Dividend in the societal sphere and not just the economic
sphere.

Additions
Inclusion of ethics program in schools and colleges
Training the Teachers to teach these courses
Celebrating Anti-Corruption Day, Human Rights Day