Berlin, A recent study by Transparency International has identified India as the most corrupt country in Asia, recording a 69 percent bribery rate. This finding places India at the top of the list in the region for corruption levels.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Berlin-based non-governmental organization, which focuses on combating corruption, conducted the study. The report contrasts sharply with Japan, which emerged as the least corrupt nation in Asia with a bribery rate of only 0.2 percent. India’s corruption rate surpassed that of other countries in the region, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.

The report, as cited by Forbes, suggests a grim outlook for corruption in India, positioning it as the most corrupt country in the Asia-Pacific region. The study found that nearly seven out of ten people in India had to pay bribes to access public services. Transparency International gathered these insights from interviews with around 22,000 people across 16 countries in Asia-Pacific, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s corruption landscape.

Specific sectors in India, such as education and healthcare, show particularly high bribery rates, with 58 and 59 percent, respectively. Vietnam was identified as the second-most corrupt country with a 65 percent bribery rate, followed by Thailand with a 41 percent rate.

The report indicates a widespread belief among Indian citizens that their central and state governments are not effectively combating corruption. This sentiment reflects a significant challenge for governance and public trust in the country.

Moreover, the report highlights the disproportionate impact of corruption on poorer sections of society in India. A striking 73 percent of bribes paid in India originated from low-income groups. This demographic often has no alternative but to pay bribes due to their limited options and reduced influence, further exacerbating their economic hardships.