From Chai To Gifts

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Representational Photo

By Peerzada Mohsin Shafi

Corruption, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is“dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially by people in authority.” The term originates from the Latin word“corruptus” meaning“to bribe, destroy, or spoil.” Josiane Fahed-Sreih, in her book“Corruption: New Insights”, delves into the historical roots of this pervasive issue. It is as old as human civilization itself. From the first dynasty of ancient Egypt (3100–2600 B.C.), where judicial corruption was rampant, to ancient Greece, where the term“corruption” was associated with the loss of physical form, integrity, or moral virtue, this malady has plagued societies for millennia.

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Fast forward to the present-day corruption remains deeply entrenched in every society. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir hundreds of corruption cases are registered annually. The new year 2025 brought with it the usual resolutions of self-improvement and repentance for everybody. However, for corrupt officials, the resolutions are different. Instead of vowing to serve the public, they seemed to resolve to exploit them further.

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The ACB's data for January 2025 paints a grim picture. In January 2025, several significant cases of corruption were exposed. On January 15, a Preliminary Enquiry was registered concerning the misappropriation of Devri Stones and the use of substandard materials in the Srinagar Smart City Project. Two days earlier, on January 13, a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case was filed against a retired Superintending Engineer from the Public Works Department (R&B). On January 10, DA cases were also registered against the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Engineer of Srinagar Smart City Limited. Additionally, on January 2, irregularities were discovered in the selection process for Fireman and Fireman Drivers in the Fire & Emergency Services Department, shedding light on the widespread corruption within government systems. These cases represent only the tip of the iceberg. For every corrupt official caught, countless others evade scrutiny. The past two years, for instance, saw a surge in recruitment scams, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem.

It's almost laughable to see posters plastered across government office corridors proudly declaring,“This is a corruption-free office.” The sheer audacity of such claims never fails to amuse me, albeit with a tinge of bitterness. Let me share a personal experience that has stayed with me over the years. When I was in Class 9^th , I needed a birth certificate from the Municipal Committee to apply for a passport. The documents to be submitted needed to be applied at Tehsil Office first. At the time, this was the only accepted proof of date of birth for passport. Accompanied by a friend, I went to the Tehsil Office, documents in hand. There, a clerk in the dispatch section handled my paperwork. After completing the formalities, he looked at us and said,“The actual chai for this is ₹500, but since you're a student, I'll give you a discount. Just pay ₹150.” (In Kashmiri, Asle aees ath chai denn paanxh hath, magar tohhe chew student tohhe gow ve discount. Thohhe de ev sirf doud hath”

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It was around 1:05 PM, and the man was in a hurry. As he rushed through the process, he muttered under his breath,“Beta, jaldi karo, nimaz padhne jaana hai” (Hurry up, I need to go for prayers). At that age, I was neither mature nor worldly-wise. Hearing him mention prayers, I assumed he was a religious man. Without a second thought, I handed him ₹ 150.

Years have passed, but that moment remains etched in my memory. It wasn't just about the money. It was the realization that corruption had become so normalized, so deeply infused into the fabric of society, that even a man hurrying to prayers could demand a bribe without a hint of shame.

Years have passed then nothing has changed but the terminology of corruption has evolved over time. In UT of Jammu & Kashmir a few years ago, it was euphemistically called “chai.” Today, it has been rebranded as “Gifts.” This shift is not merely linguistic but psychological. Corrupt officials, perhaps influenced by social media and religious teachings, have begun to rationalize their actions. They convince themselves that accepting a“gift” is not the same as taking a bribe. This self-deception allows them to justify their actions while ignoring the moral and spiritual consequences.

Social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have played a dual role. On one hand, they have raised awareness about the evils of corruption through religious reels and sermons. On the other hand, they have inadvertently provided corrupt individuals with a way to assuage their guilt. By framing bribes as“gifts,” they create a facade of legitimacy, convincing themselves that they are not engaging in wrongdoing. However, this rebranding does not absolve them of guilt. Corruption, whether labeled as“chai” or“gifts,” remains a moral and legal offense. The wrath of the Almighty, as well as the vigilance of institutions like the ACB, will eventually catch up with them. The“gift” they receive may well come in the form of handcuffs and a prison sentence.

Corruption erodes the very foundations of society. It thrives on greed, rationalization, and systemic loopholes. Until we address these root causes, the terminology may change, but the problem will persist. The fight against corruption requires not just stringent laws and enforcement but also a collective moral awakening. Only then can we hope to see a future where“chai” and“gifts” are no longer euphemisms for dishonesty but symbols of genuine hospitality and goodwill.

Views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer

• The author is M.Tech Infrastructure Development and Management (Hon's), Member ASCE, Researcher– Contracts and Planning

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