Corruption stems not from necessity but from greed. Government jobs—even those considered lower in rank—offer salaries that are respectable enough to attract attention. This is why many who once chased high-paying roles in the private sector are now opting for government jobs, often turning down larger pay packages to take competitive exams. Unlike the private sector, where job stress is high and demands are relentless, government roles typically offer job security, predictable hours, and assured pay regardless of performance. Still, it's a serious misconception to believe that good salaries and a relaxed work environment automatically make government employees honest.

To curb bribery in government offices, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau launched an anti-corruption initiative titled "Operation Spot Trap" four months ago. So far, 40 officials have been caught red-handed in 29 separate cases. The most recent incident involved A. Swapna, a building inspector at the Vyttila Zonal Office of Kochi Municipal Corporation, who was arrested last week while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from a builder. She was apprehended on the roadside at Ponnurunni while returning home to Thrissur in her car. A search of her vehicle revealed Rs 41,180, which Vigilance believes was collected in bribes from multiple sources that day.

The bribe was demanded in connection with an application for separate building numbers for each floor of a five-storey building. Despite the application being submitted four months ago, there had been no decision. Initially, the official demanded Rs 25,000 at the rate of Rs 5,000 per floor. However, following repeated requests by the applicant, the amount was reduced to Rs 15,000. After agreeing to pay the bribe, the applicant tipped off the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Swapna reportedly already had a reputation for being corrupt. It was during one of her "bribe operations" that she was caught, perfectly fitting the Vigilance strategy behind "Operation Spot Trap."

Although 40 officers have been caught so far, the list of suspected corrupt officials compiled by Vigilance—based on public complaints and preliminary investigations—contains over 700 names. When caught, Swapna reportedly claimed that everyone in her department was corrupt and that she was the "least corrupt among them"—an ironic justification.

Of the 40 officials arrested under Operation Spot Trap so far, 16 belong to the Revenue Department. This list wasn't compiled based on hearsay but through complaints from the public, followed by preliminary investigations. One thing is clear—this operation is proving to be an effective trap for bribe-hungry officials. Despite pressure from within the bureaucracy, Vigilance must continue this operation with full force. The corporation official arrested in Kochi is currently under suspension. For chronic offenders like her, departmental action alone isn’t enough—dismissal is the only answer. Once their jobs are truly at risk, their greed-fueled bribery will come to a halt on its own.