Corruption has permeated every level of the government in Kerala, akin to a cancerous growth. While this fact is widely acknowledged, it took a corruption scandal involving a village assistant from the Palakkayam village office to capture national headlines, showcasing the extent of the issue. Suresh Kumar, the village assistant, was found to have amassed over Rs 1.5 crore in cash, hidden in his rented home in Palakkad. The incident raises questions about the state government’s response to the pervasive corruption problem, despite its acknowledgement of the issue.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has repeatedly spoken out against the prevalence of corruption, referring to some government officials as having “doctorates in corruption.” Yet, it remains alarming that the government acknowledges the problem without taking decisive action to curb the rampant corruption in the state.
Yesterday, vigilance chief Manoj Abraham turned to the government with recommendations for immediate reforms to weed out corrupt officers from service. The vigilance department reached this decision after exhausting all attempts to combat corruption within the revenue department, which has proven to be particularly fertile ground for malpractice. Existing rules and procedures often result in trials taking nearly 10 years to conclude, allowing corrupt officers to retire or even pass away before facing consequences. Many suspended officers return to service after a one-year suspension and shamelessly resume their corrupt practices. The system has failed, and only through comprehensive reforms can the state build a strong defense against these corrupt practices.
While several government departments have transitioned to e-governance systems, where paper-based files have been replaced by digital data, the promised efficiency has yet to be realized. Despite the progressive shift towards e-governance, bureaucratic bottlenecks persist, with files remaining piled up and delayed. A recent meeting was held to expedite the clearance of pending files, highlighting the pressing need for more streamlined and efficient workflows. The root cause lies not in the absence of technology but in the lackadaisical approach to work exhibited by generations of employees who treat the office as a place for leisure and idle conversations rather than diligent service.
Another troubling aspect is that officers caught in corruption scandals often spend mere days in detention before resuming their duties, leveraging their influence and connections within unions and other government officials. This impunity further perpetuates corruption as those responsible face minimal consequences, while those genuinely committed to serving with integrity are denied recognition.
Even the Chief Minister is aware of the illicit dealings taking place behind closed doors in many government offices. It is high time for the government to take proactive steps and implement robust reforms, as suggested by the vigilance department. Every government department should be swiftly transitioned to an online format, significantly curbing the opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to exploit their positions for personal gain.
The people of Kerala deserve a transparent and accountable government that upholds the principles of integrity and public service. It is imperative for the government to address corruption head-on and institute comprehensive reforms to safeguard the interests of the citizens and restore faith in the system.
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