There are some in government service who have a PhD in corruption: Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday that there were some people in government service who have a “PhD” in corruption and the problem can only be tackled through a collective effort, including those who work with such people. Vijayan said the LDF government’s position was that there would be no compromise when it came to corrupt activities and those who engaged in them would not be protected.

Therefore, while the government and surveillance are cracking down, even concerned departments and those who work with such people, who are involved in corrupt practices, must also intervene. The CM was referring to the recent arrest of a field assistant in Palakkayam village in the state’s Palakkad district for allegedly taking a bribe.

Cash documents and bank deposits worth more than Rs 1 crore were allegedly recovered during a search of his rented accommodation. Vijayan said that the official in question was allegedly using the bribe amounts for his needs and that his salary was intact.

The CM also said that while in large offices and departments, it can be difficult to know if someone is involved in corrupt practices. However, in smaller offices, like the one in the recent incident, it was hard to believe that everyone there didn’t realize what was going on.

”In such incidents, others must intervene and prevent such practices. Most of those in the government sector are honest. But there are some who have a doctorate in committing acts of corruption. “They’ve got a taste for it and they don’t want to give it up,” Vijayan said after opening a state-level conference of the Kerala Municipal and Corporate Staff Union here.

The matter requires serious consideration as such practices ruin the distinction that Kerala has earned as the least corrupt state in India, he said. He said those in government service should be people-friendly and help them where legally possible.

“What cannot be done legally should not be done.” He said that the digitization of government services and their provision online would be a step towards transparency and rapid delivery of services to the people.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency – PTI)