Every envelope going out of the Lokayukta's office has a slogan saying bribery is worse than treachery. And now, RTI activists want the government and people of the state to follow suit

The Lokayukta thinks that giving or taking bribes is treason and it's letting the world know through a Kannada slogan on its envelopes.

The slogan Lancha Kora Maha Desha Drohi "certainly creates awareness among the public," said Lokayukta N Santhosh Hegde. Especially among bribe-taking bureaucrats and politicians and people who encourage them.

Activistsu00a0 join in

And now, a group of RTI activists including associations like Mahiti Hakku Jagruti Vedike have started a campaign. They have written to the governor, asking him to direct the state government to use such envelopes. They are even urging the public to use the slogan in letters to state government officials.

"It's a wake-up call for corrupt officers and leaders," said J S D Pani, member, Rashtriya Suchana Karya Dal.

"We have urged the Lokayukta to take the matter to the state government. If everything goes well, it will be the beginning of a silent but powerful campaign."

The envelope

The envelopes posted by the Lokayukta bear the Kannada slogan along with postal stamps. The Lokayukta franks the stamp at its office along with the slogan.

"The initiative is unique," said Pani. "It is sure to create some kind of moral fear among bribe-takers and bribe-givers."

"A moral fight against corruption should begin from the corridors of power.u00a0 Hence, we have decided to campaign for the Lokayukta's initiative," added Pani.