Corruption in Recruitment of Public Sector Jobs in West Bengal: Causes and Consequences

Abstract

This paper explores the causes and consequences of corruption in recruitment of public sector job in India. Causes of corruption has two sides- supply side and demand side. High competition in the recruitment of public sector job or high educated unemployment rate is the main (direct) cause of corruption from the supply side. On the other hand, high rent seeking activity, high discretionary power vested to the administrator and low accountability of the administrators are the main source of corruption from the demand side. Apart from these, lack of certainty, consistency and transparency in framing the rules and regulations are also the sources of corruption from the demand side. Corruption reduces the probability of getting a public sector job to the fresher candidates. The potential educated youth become hopeless. It will have a negative impact on attainment of educational institution of the youth. The high degree of corruption may break the trust of the common people on government/ political leader (concerned ministers). Through corruption (bribe) huge amount of black money is generated in the economy that may increase inflation, income inequality in income distribution. Corruption reduces the consumer surplus of the government.