An anti-corruption campaign shows you how to pay sarkari officers in their own coin, without uttering a single world. Know your rights because it's payback time

Ever wished you could teach a lesson to that oily official rubbing his fingers together to demand extra money just to do his job? There is. Smile and hand him a zero currency note and watch him squirm.

As part of the "Freedom From Corruption" campaign, citizens can hand over a zero currency note without the fear of having to confront a person in authority.



The organisation spearheading the campaign is 5th Pillar: a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that encourages citizens to fight corruption.

With more than five lakh volunteers and 10 lakh zero currency notes printed, the campaign is fast gaining traction. "The campaign was initiated in Chennai and we now plan to set up base in Delhi around June or July," says Puneet Anand, north zone coordinator, 5th Pillar.

Goals of the organisation, which has its international headquarters in Washington DC, include empowering individuals to register official complaints in the appropriate government department for instances of fraud and cheating. If the complaint is not treated effectively, citizens can directly contact the organisation, which will intervene on behalf of him or her.

Reclaim your power
After experiencing corruption first-hand, Vijay Anand, the driving force behind 5th Pillar, decided to tackle corruption head-on.

Vijay, a professor of Physics in the University of Maryland, had several brainstorming sessions with like-minded individuals before coming up with the idea of paying corrupt officials in their own coin literally.

The zero currency notes have the obligatory bust of Mahatma minus the watermark and security thread. The top of the note reads: "Eliminate Corruption at All Levels" in place of "Reserve Bank of India", and the governor's promise is replaced with the promise to "neither accept nor give bribes".

The contact details of 5th Pillar are printed on the back of the note, so that a person can initiate action against a corrupt official with help from the organisation.

"Corrupt officials are first shocked, and then humiliated when the note is handed to them. The note gives the common man the power to deliver an important message without uttering a word," says Vijay, adding that the campaign is effective as it lets a crooked official know that people are aware of their rights.

India shining?
"Corporates have started distributing the notes among their employees to encourage them to put a stop to corruption," says Puneet. "We also plan to approach schools and colleges, when the new academic year commences in June and hope to initiate the youth into the campaign through seminars and interactive sessions," adds Puneet.
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While one broom might not be able to sweep away all the muck, the continual effort to sweep corruption-ridden floors might bring us closer to the dream of a cleaner courtyard.

What is the 5th pillar all about?

The 5th Pillar is an NGO headed by Vijay Anand, a physics professor who lives in the United States. Its international headquarters are in Washington DC with offices in Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore.