Zero Rupee Note To Stamp Out Corruption
In the secret language of corruption in India, an official expecting a bribe will ask for Mahatma Gandhi to “smile†at him. The revered leader of the independence movement is on all denominations of rupee notes.
With rampant dishonesty ingrained in the bureaucratic culture, an anticorruption group has decided to interpret the euphemism literally by issuing a zero-rupee note.
A direct copy of the 50-rupee note, including Gandhi’s portrait, it is designed to be handed out to officials who demand backhanders.
In the place of the usual promise of redemption by the central bank governor, the new pledge is: “I promise to neither accept nor give bribe.â€
The Times Report: Can this note stamp out corruption in a land where it’s the norm? via kottke.org
Posted under: Thoughts
April 21st, 2007 at 20:39:32
Hmm, interesting. Thing is, do you need a zero rupee note to “instill confidence” in standing against bribe? Can’t you say no without it?
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:00:14
I for one would not mind paying a zero rupee note to anyone who asks me for a bribe. The big question is will it work?
This seems to be happening in Chennai, Slim could you update on if it is working or not?
April 24th, 2007 at 19:41:19
Hmm, haven’t been following the news lately. But yeah, will look for updates and do a post ;D
April 25th, 2007 at 19:18:19
Exactly the kind of gimmick that will not help anyone.. if someone is expecting a bribe.. he will still expect it :)
August 3rd, 2007 at 15:00:49
I dont know whether it will work or not .. but when everyone start to do this … I think there will be a big difference … a Gandhian way to tell that i will not give bribe.