It may not be an exaggeration to say that the Revenue Department ranks among the most corruption-prone departments in Telangana. Some officials appear to be making every effort to maintain that position. Driven by the fear of falling behind, they seem eager to stay at the forefront of the race for corruption. Whether a citizen needs a certificate or wants to have a farmer’s land title changed, every task appears to come with a price tag. Some officials are turning government offices, which are meant to serve the public, into centres for negotiating and collecting bribes. Even though Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials are conducting raids, catching corrupt officials red-handed and sending them behind bars, the mindset of some individuals remains unchanged. Despite reports of raids appearing in newspapers and arrests taking place before their very eyes, the collection of bribes continues unabated. Only these officials can explain what happened to the oath they took before joining government service and where the ethical values they promised to uphold have disappeared. Instead of taking the initiative to serve the public, they seem to have made personal gain their primary objective in every task. If they are determined to achieve the top position even in corruption, when will justice ever be delivered to the people? Is government employment meant to serve the public or to fill one’s own pockets? Unless the conduct of certain officials in the Revenue Department changes, when will corruption ever be brought under control?
● When Will the Common Citizen Be Treated with Dignity in Government Offices?
The oath taken before entering government service and the ethical values officials promise to uphold must be reflected in the way they discharge their duties. Setting aside their responsibility to serve the public and seeking personal gain from every task is a clear violation of their professional obligations. However, it would be unfair to paint every employee in the Revenue Department with the same brush. While protecting the dignity of those who work honestly, strict action must be taken against those whose involvement in corruption is established through evidence. Only then will those engaging in illegal activities develop a fear of the law, and public confidence in the government begin to grow.
● When Will Senior Officials Respond?
Senior officials need to conduct a comprehensive review of the Revenue Department, beginning at the grassroots level, to improve transparency. The services provided in government offices, the documents required, the prescribed fees and the deadlines for resolving applications must be clearly communicated to the public. Special monitoring mechanisms should be established to address issues such as unnecessarily keeping applications pending, repeatedly making citizens visit government offices and carrying out unauthorised alterations to land records. Complaints should not be treated casually. They must be investigated thoroughly so that the facts come to light. If corruption is established, action must be taken in accordance with the law, regardless of the official’s rank. Meaningful change is possible only when authorities go beyond inspections and warnings and address the systemic weaknesses that allow corruption to flourish. It is unfortunate that a department expected to lead in public service is earning a reputation for corruption. Is government employment intended to serve the people, or is it being turned into an opportunity for personal enrichment? The officials responsible for the functioning of the Revenue Department, along with their senior authorities, must answer this question. Providing security and assurance to citizens regarding their land, property rights and access to government services is fundamental to good governance. In our view, this is the true test of the administrative system.