Corrupt practices appear to be spreading across all levels of organisations in the country. This is according to the National Corruption Barometer Survey 2023 released by the Bhutan Transparency Initiative yesterday. The survey says people are observing a transformation in the concentration of corrupt practices. Unlike the 2020 study, where employees at the executive level were identified as harbouring the highest instances of corruption, the recent findings indicate a shift towards the lower levels of organisations.
The survey carried out by the Bhutan Transparency Initiative, a Civil Society Organisation which works towards promoting transparency, integrity and accountability in Bhutan, is to understand the corruption situation in the country based on the perceptions of the citizens. It presents information on the prevalence of various forms, levels, and trends of corruption among various public service providers.
According to the survey, the shift of corruption towards the lower levels of organisations could mean a rapid increase in corruption as most of the public service providers are at the lower levels.
“Based on the studies conducted in 2016, as well as 2020, this year’s study indicates that corruption in Bhutan is on the rise. But the promising thing we found from the study is that people are getting more conscious about corruption and they are more ready to report and combat corruption. It’s just that organisations concerned will have to put moralities in place,” said Rinzin Rinzin (PhD), Executive Director of Bhutan Transparency Initiative.
He said most people fear reporting corruption due to lack of witness protection, and invasion of the privacy of the witnesses.
The key findings of the study found that the top five forms of corruption in order of prevalence are trading in influence, failure to declare a conflict of interest, abuse of function, concealment of corruption proceeds and embezzlement among others. Most of them are concentrated at the lower levels of the organisational hierarchy.
Civil servants followed by the employees of local governments, private sectors, and corporations were perceived to be the most corrupt among the 12 key public service providers. Religious figures, employees of international organisations and CSO or NGO personnel are perceived to be the least corrupt.
80 per cent of respondents attributed the underreporting of corruption incidents to time constraints.
As part of the study’s recommendations, the Bhutan Transparency Initiative proposes the enactment of an act to protect and support whistle-blowers who expose corruption. Collaborating with the media to disseminate information on anti-corruption policies and promoting civic engagement at the local government level are also highlighted as crucial steps toward combating corruption.
The survey is carried out every three years.
Tshering Deki
Edited by Kipchu
