Priyal Dholakia (Assistant Editor)

A recent bribery incident in Jharkhand has stirred a great deal of public outrage. The incident pertains to an assistant registrar of the cooperative department, Mithali Sharma. Currently stationed in Jharkhand’s Koderma district, this is Mithali’s first ever posting.

Hazaribagh’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught her red-handed accepting a bribe on July 7 and arrested her soon after on charges of bribery. Mithali’s arrest highlights the pervasive issue of corruption within the Indian bureaucracy. Let us delve deeper into the details of the case to better comprehend this critical topic.

The Arrest and Viral Video

The ACB approached Mithali Sharma, who had been serving in her first posting, on July 7. The arrest happened after Rameshwar Prasad Yadav made a complaint. Rameshwar is a member of the Koderma Vyapar Sahyog Samiti. He was allegedly coerced into paying a bribe to Mithali. The video and photos of Mithali taking the money have gone viral on social media. They have ignited huge public anger and drawn widespread criticism.

Details of the Bribery Incident

The incident took place at a surprise check of the Koderma Vyapar Sahyog Samiti by Mithali. During the inspection, she found a lot of discrepancies in the activities there. Using her position of power, she asked the committee for Rs. 20,000 in bribes. She demanded it in exchange for not taking any punitive action against them. 

The Investigation and Arrest

Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB investigated Mithali’s allegations. As a result, a case was registered, and a trap was set to apprehend her. On July 7, the surveillance team caught her red-handed taking the first part of the bribe, which was worth Rs 10,000. Mithali’s arrest sent a strong messages that corruption of any kind will not be tolerated.

The Prevalence of Corruption in Indian Bureaucracy

Corruption, as a social evil, has indeed seeped deep into the fabric of the Indian bureaucracy. And Mithali’s unethical behaviour, aimed at personal gain, testifies to its extent. This incident involving Mithali is not an isolated case. It is rather a reflection of the deeper issue of corruption plaguing our society. 

Factors Contributing to Corruption

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of corruption in the Indian bureaucracy. One of the main reasons is that management processes are not clear or held accountable. Officials can abuse their positions due to complicated and opaque procedures. Financial factors such as poor pay and benefits may also push officials to accept bribes.

Another key aspect is the lack of harsh disciplinary measures and a delayed court system. Corruption goes unpunished, giving corrupt people the impression they can do whatever they want. Corruption thrives as people seek shortcuts and favours to traverse the system.

Addressing Corruption: The Way Forward

Corruption is deeply embedded in India’s society. So addressing the problem would require multiple strategies. It begins with strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms. We need to install robust systems to track and check administrative actions. We should also enhance whistleblower protections and put them in place. This will encourage individuals to report corruption without fear of reprisal.

Plus, it is crucial to improve the working conditions and payment of civil servants. Adequate salaries and benefits can reduce the vulnerability of officials to bribery. It can enable them to focus more on their responsibilities and act in the public interest. Furthermore, the bureaucracy must honour merit-based promotions and foster a value-driven culture. Above all, adhere to the values of fairness, honesty, and public welfare.

The Bottom Line

This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges that continue to impede our system. Addressing this root problem requires concerted efforts on our part. Only by working together can we achieve our goal of a corruption-free India.