Is Bihar's Crackdown on Public Servants Effective?

Synopsis
Bihar's intensified anti-corruption initiative has seen 34 public servants booked in just five months. With enhanced complaint systems and swift prosecutions, the Vigilance Bureau is setting a new standard in the fight against corruption. What does this mean for public integrity in Bihar?
Key Takeaways
- 34 public servants booked in the first 150 days of the year.
- 27 officials caught accepting bribes.
- Total recovery of Rs 12.46 lakh from traps.
- Enhanced complaint systems encourage citizen engagement.
- Swift prosecution emphasizes accountability.
Patna, May 27 (NationPress) The Bihar government has ramped up its anti-corruption efforts, leading to an impressive increase in vigilance actions targeting public servants throughout the state.
The Vigilance Bureau has embarked on an unwavering campaign, resulting in 34 public servants being charged within the first 150 days of this year.
Official statistics reveal that 27 officials were apprehended while accepting bribes, with a total of Rs 12.46 lakh seized during trap operations.
Moreover, four individuals faced charges under Disproportionate Assets (DA) cases, while three were prosecuted for the abuse of their official roles.
This year's trap cases have already surpassed last year's total of 22, with 27 traps conducted by May 2025 alone.
“A significant portion of those caught in traps comprises police officers (sub-inspectors and lower ranks), revenue officials, and executive engineers, highlighting prevalent corruption in essential public services,” noted a senior officer from the state vigilance.
“The Vigilance Bureau's success can be attributed in part to the enhanced complaint system. Citizens are now encouraged to report grievances via a dedicated helpline or by placing written complaints in a designated box at the Bureau's main entrance,” he added.
All complaints are meticulously reviewed, and the complainant is contacted prior to initiating a comprehensive investigation.
“The urgency of prosecution is also a priority. Most individuals apprehended in trap operations have already been presented in Vigilance Court and incarcerated,” he stated.