Corruption cause of worry

Bhubaneswar, July 28(Reporters Today Bureau): Corruption in government offices has become a cause of worry for everyone in the State. Not a single day passes without an allegation of corruption or a Vigilance raid. It is true Vigilance raids are welcome signs but the shocking aspect is that raids have to be conducted as some officials do indulge in corrupt practices despite the Odisha Government’s pronounced ‘zero tolerance’ policy.

In the past few months officials of different ranks and departments have been caught and punished. But why at the first place corruption is taking place?

According to analysts, it could be due to two reasons–Lack of fear for the law or complicity of the general public who want their work done by any means.   These analysts say several people have been arrested, suspended or terminated from service for indulging in corrupt practices. But this does not appear adequate. Attaching properties of corrupt officials has also not helped in anyway, they say, as the illegally acquired wealth that is visible is only a portion of the actual loot.

Suspension for a few months or year, attaching property, terminating services are unlikely to help curb corruption in government organizations as it has spread its tentacles far and wide. Reports about a clerk in a office that issues certificates on births and deaths are disgusting while retired employees paying money for release of pension and gratuity is heinous. The daily bulletins of Vigilance Directorate reveals corruption indulged into by even guards of offices. Virtually no department is free from corrupt practices.

On July 27, the opposition in Odisha Assembly raised the corruption issue and asserted that the trend is not only dangerous but against progress of the society or state.

The Treasury Bench members, however, tried to counter the opposition saying that the State Government is taking all necessary steps to eradicate the menace. Opposition Chief Whip Mohan Majhi argued that with the menace should have stopped five years ago after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared his ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption. But it has been growing he alleged.

They have stressed on expediting conviction in corruption cases and exemplary punishment to stop this menace.