Some people believe that the US government is corrupt. While it is, the corruption is at the highest levels of power, where big companies give big campaign contributions to Senators and Congressmen in exchange for special privileges and friendly treatment. However, in India, every level of government is corrupt and bribes are expected for every government service from a driver’s license to a name change. That’s why anti-corruption organization Fifth Pillar has introduced a zero-rupee note designed specifically to goad public servants into doing their job for free.
I like that this zero rupee note actually looks like a rupee. This way, if you slip it to someone they may take it without looking. You get your services for no bribe, and they get a nice little reminder that they have a job to do that they shouldn’t be taking mandatory tips for. This way everyone wins, except the civil servants who have come to depend on bribe money to supplement their own income.
Tags: anti-corruption methods, bribery, petty bribes, India, zero rupee note, Fifth Pillar, bribe money, the World Bank