In a bid to combat corruption and bribery within government institutions, the Vigilance Department conducts state-wide raids aimed at detecting and prosecuting cases. However, many people still manage to evade these measures, sparking concerns about the effectiveness of the current system.

Despite the existence of six vigilance courts and plans to establish more, delays in setting up new courts, like the one proposed in Kollam, hinder the swift dispensation of justice. This delay allows alleged perpetrators to escape contributing to the prevalent culture of corruption.

Numerous government departments including revenue, local bodies, health, urban affairs and motor vehicles have long been accused of fostering environments conducive to bribery. Shockingly, even well-compensated officials often succumb to accepting bribes leading to a system where bribery becomes the norm.

A key issue exacerbating the problem is the slow pace of legal proceedings. Cases in Vigilance Courts languish for 8 to 10 years or more, resulting in evidence deterioration and the accused walking free. Despite occasional raids and registrations of cases, the actual number of convictions remains low due to lengthy trials.

Moreover, the fear of punitive action appears minimal among officials with temporary suspensions rarely lasting beyond a year. Upon reinstatement, these people often secure timely promotions, undermining the deterrent effect against corruption.

Addressing the core of the problem necessitates strict adherence to procedural norms in charging and expediting court trials. Timely and decisive actions against perpetrators would not only curb corruption but also streamline service delivery to the public.

The prevalent delays in administrative procedures contribute to bribery opportunities, further highlighting the urgency of reforming the system. Strengthening the vigilance framework and expediting legal proceedings are imperative steps toward combatting corruption within government entities.