The State Vigilance department was formed to check corruption among government officials. But nothing much is seen in its activities apart from a few lightning raids and arrests.

Since there is a lot of limitations politically, Vigilance officers will have to tread a cautious path. The situation is worst if those in the Vigilance net are highly influential officers.

Muhammed Yasin, who retired from the post of Vigilance director, had made a revelation during his farewell address recently that he had recommended suspension of 80 government officials.
Vigilance claim that they could trap so many officers within a time span of nine months. They say they trapped 15 persons for taking bribe.

The Ex-Vigilance officer said from his experience that corruption is high in 25 government departments.
But the number of officials caught by the Vigilance will only make people laugh.

Deliberate slowing down of procedures in government offices is the reason for corruption. The people are also ready to give some bribe as they want to get things done without delay. Once taking bribe becomes a habit for some officers, they won’t be able to do a job without it. Certain offices under local self-administration are notorious for corruption.

Now, the onus is on the government to do a purification ritual in 25 departments mentioned by the Ex-Vigilance director and restore its reputation. The delay in ensuring penalty for those caught in corruption cases is the reason why people take corruption cases lightly. The delay from the part of the court also needs mention.

Now and then, administrators come out with the advice that what is hidden in government files are people’s life issues and government staff should not sit on even a single file without proper reason. Such advices and awareness speeches are often lavished at anniversary functions of service societies. But no substantial results are seen. The backlog of files in government offices are only increasing every year and not decreasing.
The Vigilance had recently raided 53 police stations and found some irregularities. Money stored illegally was also seized.

The government recommended action against those found guilty. But even after several months, nothing is heard about any action taken. All this shows the hollowness of anti-corruption declarations.
People will be relieved from this evil in society only when government can ensure sudden action and punishment for corrupt officials.
The State government will have to think what can be done to make 25 government departments, pointed out by Ex-Vigilance chief, corruption-free.