Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while inaugurating the K-Smart software in Kochi, underlined that the state not just wants to bring down corruption, but to completely eradicate it. People who are yearning for a job in government service will second CM’s opinion without batting an eyelid.

There is no better solace than equipping modern technology in government offices which will end the reign of middlemen in service. The government has started a system where all the services to be obtained through the local institutions can be obtained online at once.

The government boast the introduction as a first in the country. Whatever it be, the introduction is nothing short of a relief to Keralites, who mostly depend on government offices in times of necessity. Through the software introduction, people can cut short their travel to the office and can do the work through a mobile phone or computer by being at home.

The Chief Minister exhorted the officials not to expect bribes from people when they come seeking services. The CM might have good learning about the shameful happening behind the veneer of government offices so came the warning. Corruption and bribery have been part of the government service since its inception and it is still showing no signs of slowing down. In many offices, it is the need of the people to please officials to fast-track services.

Revenue offices are one of those that people have to rely on the most. It is hoped that this situation will change once K-Smart becomes fully functional. In Kerala, there is an existent practice of delaying such implementations citing vague reasons.

Sometimes, people reaching government offices make small errors while filling out forms, which is nothing surprising and is a common occurrence. These errors can be corrected in a few minutes with the involvement of an officer. However, the officers will make the most of the incident and will delay the service, salivating for bribes.

The administration can be judged efficient, only when services are provided to the common man at the earliest. The unprecedented development of information technology has made any service available anywhere in the world at the fingertips. Any service of local bodies of the state can be accessed anywhere through K-Smart software. Even expatriates can get them from their residence abroad without coming to the country.

Acquiring various building permits is a daunting task for many. It is also the area where bribery is the most prevalent. Some people who have walked the steps of government offices seeking help loathe the thought of visiting the place again. Sometimes, seeing no respite, these people end up pondering over suicide. Some violent incidents also filled news headlines in recent times, as an incensed man burned the village office after the officials delayed service to him.

These days, getting a government job is harder than winning the lottery. Those who are lucky enough to get into such a position through hard work should consider the sufferings of the public and provide service without difficulty. Those who take the government job with conceitedness should revisit the words of CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who cautioned officers not to step into corruption.