This article will attempt to answer two questions which are very much on everyone's mind after the release of the tapes. A petty form of corruption has always been part and parcel of India's armed forces. It all boils down to semantics. The large majority try to rationalise corrupt practices when they themselves indulge in it. There is gross misuse of non-public or regimental funds.
Subordinates routinely do up the house of the new commander of a division or brigade.
They have little problem doing this as most often the previous incumbent has walked off with the carpet and the furnishings, if not the furniture. The best scotch at sky high prices is purchased and provided to the top brass. Unfortunately this 5-star culture among officers is all pervasive and is actually condoned by senior officers who are often part and parcel of it. They have thus helped to bring about a perfect environment for the next step. When one begins to acquire a taste for good living, scotch and dinners in the Taj, one does not find anything wrong in accepting that bottle of Blue Lable from a well-wisher, who just happens to be an arms dealer.