While honesty is a value held in high esteem in India, corruption runs rampant. (Moran, R., Abramson, N., Moran, S., 2014) Vijay Anand founded the 5th Pillar in 2006 with the sole cause of fighting corruption. (Banerji, R., 2017) Anand established 5th Pillar because he wanted to see what his fellow citizens were capable of without the weight of corruption and intimidation. (Banerji, R., 2017) Anand got the name for his organization from the four pillars of democracy: legislature, executive, judiciary, and the press. The fifth pillar would come from citizens of India “hoping and working towards a better society and corruption-free governance system.” (Banerji, R., 2017) Anand’s plan is to end corruption with the Zero Rupee note. (Banerji, R., 2017)
The Zero Rupees are identical to an Indian banknote, but the Zero Rupee reads, “Eliminate corruption at all levels” and “I promise to neither accept nor give a bribe.” (Lloyd, A., 2015) Zero Rupees were made to empower the common people and help them understand that he need not fear government officials. They know they are not alone and have the backing of a major organization. 5th pillar is an organization of volunteers that distributes zero rupees at train stations, bus depots, and market places. (Banerji, R., 2017) The zero rupees have the contact information for help against corruption. (Banerji, R., 2017) Anand said, “5th Pillar keep expanding to make sure that the zero rupee note reaches every oppressed Indian and corrupt official in the country. Over 3 million of these notes have been distributed across the country. It is the perfect non-violent weapon of non-cooperation, the perfect way to make the corrupt self-introspect.” (Banerji, R., 2017)
Many Indians have trouble obtaining simple things like drivers licences or birth certificates without officials expecting bribes. (Lloyd, A., 2017) Public officials rarely encountered any push-back before the zero rupees. The zero rupee program has had some impact as some public officials now have zero rupee notes hanging in their offices. (Lloyd, A., 2017) According to Transparency International, there has been a slight decrease in bribes. (Lloyd, A., 2017) Anand acknowledges that the change in Indian society might be difficult, but he believes that the courage of the Indian people can carry them through this change. (Lloyd, A., 2017)
References
Banerji, R. (2017) India Has a ‘Zero Rupee’ Note and it is to be Given to Corrupt Officials Who Ask You For a Bribe. Retrieved on October 29, 2018 form www.indiatimes.com.
Moran, R., Abramson, N., Moran, S. (2014) Managing Cultural Differences. Routledge. New York, New York.
Lloyd, A., (2015) The Power of the Zero Rupee Note. Retrieved on October 29, 2018 from www.weforum.com.
Zero Rupee Note. Retrieved on October 29, 2018 from www.5thpillar.org
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