Introduction
A recent bribery case in India’s railway sector has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about corruption in government institutions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Saurabh Prasad, Divisional Railway Manager of East Coast Railways, along with two businessmen for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹25 lakh. The case highlights the persistent issue of bribery in public sector enterprises and the role of cash in enabling such corrupt practices.
How the Bribery Scandal Unfolded
CBI Raids and Arrests
Following a tip-off, the CBI launched search operations across multiple locations linked to Prasad and his associates. During the investigation, officers recovered large amounts of cash, jewelry, and incriminating documents, confirming suspicions of bribery.
The Modus Operandi
The investigation revealed that:
- The bribe was allegedly paid by a contractor to facilitate the clearance of a pending bill and to reduce penalties imposed for project delays.
- The railway official used intermediaries to accept and manage bribes, making direct transactions difficult to trace.
- Cash payments were the preferred method as they left no digital trail, allowing the accused to avoid financial scrutiny.
Immediate Consequences
- The suspension of the arrested railway officer.
- Scrutiny of ongoing contracts under the East Coast Railways division.
- Calls for a thorough audit of financial transactions within railway departments.
- Increased demand for stricter anti-corruption measures in public sector enterprises.
The Role of Cash in Corruption
Cash transactions play a crucial role in fueling corruption across various sectors, including public administration. The railway bribery case demonstrates how cash enables corruption in multiple ways.
1. Lack of Transparency
Cash transactions do not leave behind electronic records, making them nearly impossible to track. This allows corrupt officials to accept bribes without fear of detection.
2. Easy Concealment of Wealth
Unlike bank transfers, cash can be hoarded, hidden, or laundered easily. Corrupt individuals often stash cash in multiple locations, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the full extent of their illegal earnings.
3. Difficulty in Legal Prosecution
Even when corrupt officials are caught, the lack of financial records makes it challenging to present concrete evidence in court. Many cases collapse due to insufficient proof.
Why the Government Should Abolish the Use of Cash
Given that cash is the root cause of corruption, governments should take strong steps toward a cashless economy to curb bribery and other illicit activities.
1. Greater Financial Accountability
By promoting digital transactions, authorities can track money flow, making bribery and corruption more difficult.
2. Elimination of Black Money
A cashless system can prevent the accumulation of unaccounted wealth, reducing the prevalence of black money in the economy.
3. Stronger Law Enforcement
Digital payment systems provide evidence that can be used in legal proceedings, increasing the chances of successful prosecutions against corrupt individuals.
4. Boost to Economic Growth
A shift towards digital payments will increase tax compliance, leading to higher revenue for public welfare programs and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The Railway Officer bribery case serves as a stark reminder of the corrupt practices that plague government institutions. The incident underscores the need for stringent anti-corruption measures and greater transparency in financial transactions. The elimination of cash transactions can play a crucial role in reducing corruption by making illicit financial activities easier to detect and prosecute. Moving towards a cashless economy is not just an economic reform but a necessary step towards a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free system.