Gujarat: Anti-Corruption Bureau officers said such a practice is on the pitch, and this year, at least ten such cases have been registered.
In an unprecedented twist to corruption, some dishonest government officials in Gujarat have devised a way to be “empathetically corrupt.”
According to a report by the Times of India (TOI), these officials are now offering bribes on an easy monthly installment (EMI) basis, acknowledging the financial burden that lump-sum bribes impose on vulnerable citizens.
The EMI Bribe System
In a manner similar to bank loans, corrupt officials are allowing citizens to pay bribes in installments rather than demanding a lump sum. This practice has reportedly been on the rise, with at least ten such cases documented this year by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Examples of EMI Bribes:
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- SGST Bogus Billing Scam: In March, officials involved in this scam demanded a bribe of ₹21 lakh. Recognizing the financial strain this would place on the bribe-payer, they offered to accept ₹2 lakh monthly installments, with an additional single payment of ₹1 lakh.
- Surat Taluka Panchayat Case: On April 4, a deputy sarpanch and a taluka panchayat member in Surat demanded a bribe of ₹85,000 for leveling a villager’s farm. Given the villager’s financial situation, they allowed an upfront payment of ₹35,000 with the rest to be paid in installments.
- Cybercrime Bribe: A cybercrime police official split a ₹10 lakh bribe into four installments, making it more “manageable” for the individual involved.
Rising Trend of EMI Bribes
The ACB has observed that this installment-based bribery is particularly prevalent among officials dealing with government welfare schemes or police cases.
These officials exploit the financial vulnerability of citizens who cannot afford to pay large bribes upfront but cannot escape the demand entirely. By offering an EMI option, corrupt officials ensure they do not miss out on the illicit income.
Exploiting Vulnerability
A senior ACB officer explained to TOI, “Just like a person who cannot afford to buy a house or car outright opts for loans with EMIs, corrupt officials are now applying the same concept to bribes.”
This scheme targets those who are often poor and in need of government services or facing police action, making them susceptible to such exploitation.
Ethical Implications
This practice, while seemingly considerate, underscores a deeper issue of systemic corruption where even empathy is leveraged for financial gain.
It highlights the lengths to which corrupt officials will go to secure bribes, adapting their methods to ensure they can still profit from those who are financially disadvantaged.
The introduction of EMI bribes in Gujarat reflects a concerning adaptation in corrupt practices, complicating efforts to combat bribery and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.l
