Say
‘No’ to Corruption!
Shantidevi
lived in a chawl and had to work hard to make both ends meet. She wanted
admission for her daughter in a municipal school. However, when she approached
the headmaster of the local school, he agreed to give the admission provided
she paid him Rs.5000/-
Shantidevi
was faced with a dilemma. She knew that if she borrowed from some people she
knew, she would be able to make up the required sum, and reply it over a period
of time. There were people in her neighbourhood who were willing to help her
and who told her that she had no choice but to pay. However, Shantidevi was
strongly resentful of the very idea of having to pay a bribe.
Firmly,
she came to a decision. She approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in her
locality and acquainted them with the situation. They advised her to arrange
for the money and when she did, the notes were marked. Then, along with one of
the women officers of the Bureau, she went to the school and approached the
Principal. She handed over the bundle of notes to him. He took them, counted
out the money and put them into the drawer. Then he signed a letter giving her
child admission to the school. Immediately, the lady officer with Shantidevi
informed him of her credentials and announced that he was under arrest for the
corrupt practice of accepting a bribe.
