Bureau Of Integral Integrity.

Chapter :- 18 ; Bureau Of Integral Integrity

Mahesh nodded, his ears listening very clearly. "So, this agency is to be run outside the usual reach of bureaucratic oversight? Like an intelligence service dedicated only to corruption?"

"Exactly," said Animesh. "We will require highly skilled persons, preferably from the varied streams of law enforcement, IT, financial investigation, and counterintelligence. They will have to be fiercely loyal, not just to me but to the principle of the country.

Mahesh and Animesh dedicated the next week to intensive building of structure. The name that the agency would boast was Bureau of Internal Integrity (BII). They categorized the central functions into three pillars:

1) Surveillance and Monitoring:- An exclusive team would go undercover, monitoring those officials whose assets and lifestyles did not match their declared income. They would use the latest technology in tracing financial transactions and shrouded properties.

2) Financial Forensics:- This would be the team that would take the money trail very seriously. They would often know their way through the labyrinthine paper trails and the offshore accounts, and no official's ill-gotten gains should get away with it all.

3) Intelligence Collection and Interrogation:- This was a covert unit whose role was to get information, interview suspects, and establish personal profiles of anyone deemed to be stealing public funds. They would be brutal in the execution of their assignments while all the actions taken would fall within the legal boundary so that unnecessary suspicion would not be mounted against the agency.

Mahesh scanned the building, his eyes lingering on the third team. "Prime Minister, this agency's power is dangerous if placed in the wrong hands.".

Animesh nodded gravely. "That's why we will have the strictest oversight possible and will recruit only those who have proven records of loyalty and integrity. Our goal is justice, not intimidation."

After finalizing the blueprint on the Bureau of Internal Integrity, Animesh called an emergency meeting with a few senior ministers and close allies. He chose those with whom he could count on his selfless crusade against corruption.

In the cabinet room, he began with an undeniable declaration: "Our reforms are taking momentum but I know that some officials are using their posts to achieve personal benefits. This agency will only deal with corruption and its mere presence shall remain confidential. I expect that each of you knows the reason for this need for secrecy."

The room fell silent as Animesh presented the mission of the agency. As he spoke, the ministers cast glances at one another, feeling the weight of what this new entity might mean to their government and to their country.

Minister Sharma, known for his transparency, spoke first: "Prime Minister, if we can make this bureau effective, it will do more than curb corruption-it will send a strong message to the people themselves.".

Animesh nodded. "Exactly. This is about showing that no one is above the law. We'll offer a genuine chance for accountability."

With the cabinet's approval, Animesh had one final task before the agency could begin operations. He would need to appoint a director, someone who had proven their unwavering dedication to the country.

After much deliberation over days, Animesh decided on Dev Prakash, an experienced officer with a reputation for honesty and patriotism. Dev was one of those officers who had high praises in the echelons of intelligence. He had spent his last fifteen years working to curb organized crime. He was as tenacious as he was unbreakable — the perfect candidate to lead the Bureau of Internal Integrity.

Animesh sent for Dev and called him to his office. Laid out the plan. "Mr. Dev, this agency will be unlike all others. It will work , in a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention; secretively. And its basic job will be to bring down people who misuse their power. Your job will be to ensure it does not get deviated from the corrupt practices it will end.".

Dev sat up straight, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Prime Minister, I've been waiting for such an opportunity. I will muster the brightest minds and the most zealous officers. We won't fail."

Under the concealing of nonchalance, Dev Prakash led the Bureau of Internal Integrity to its inaugural operations. It was in no more than weeks that the agency succeeded in bringing in records of several high-ranking officials whose wealth far surpassed their official remunerations. Undergirding all these was the work of Dev and his team: tracing secret accounts, following money trails, and planting undercover operatives in strategic areas.

It was being watched with all the caution and optimism. He knew that for the formation of this type of extremely powerful institution, extremely high risks happen; but he also knew and saw the risks. It wasn't just the fight for a better temporary end to corruption; it was a fight for the integrity of the government so that the generations to come could enjoy their own.

Some weeks later, Animesh reappeared before the nation. Though he did not come clean about the Bureau of Internal Integrity, he hinted at the far-reaching changes that would be established in order to make people accountable.

''We are for a transparent government," he declared.

" Any public official who will exploit his position will be brought before the bar of justice. We have learned to make a system that is just and fair, where one citizen can fully trust his/her leaders in maintaining the interests of the people above all else.

"In our quest for an open government, we have acted already to reform our economy, better lives, and opportunities for all. But let me be clear: these steps alone are not enough. Real change is only possible when our government's foundation is based on trust. And trust cannot coexist with corruption.".

"That brings me to you today, telling you that no one is above the law-not even for a high-ranking official with power and influence. I am completely aware of that huge temptation it comes with. For far too long, this has bedeviled the trust between leaders and those placing their faith in them. It is time to confront this reality head-on."

"This government has started on a mission—a mission to safeguard public resources and ensure that every rupee allocated to the people reaches the people. We are building the kind of government that is accountable to the very people it has been set up to serve, one in which accountability is not merely an aspiration but a duty.".

"We have built a team of people, armed with the very latest resources and an unwavering resolve, to protect the integrity of our nation. Their work will be relentless and discreet because the task they have undertaken is not just about catching perpetrators but about creating a future where such acts do not exist.".

"To every citizen listening, I give you my word: this government is here to serve you, not itself. We will not tolerate corruption, greed, or any betrayal of the public's trust. To the honest public servants who work tirelessly to improve this country, know that your efforts will not go unnoticed. And to those who think they can use their position for personal gain, be forewarned-your actions will come to light.".

This is not only a commitment but also a promise. It is the promise to protect, uplift, and renew the faith of every citizen in our democracy. Together we shall develop a system where no person shall feel unrepresented, every person has a voice, and justice stands above deceit."

Animesh paused for the audience to take in what he was saying before speaking again.

"Our country has always been built on the resilience and hard work of its citizens. The farmer tills the soil, the laborer builds the cities, teachers shape our future, and countless others contribute every day, all without asking for much in return. You, the people, are the backbone of this nation, and it is for you that these changes are being made.".

Then, we have been hearing the promise of reforms for years. Initiatives came and went, leaving behind only memories of what they intended to achieve. But this will be the last one. I promise you that words on paper will not be what these reforms are all about, but the kernel of a new era built on every rupee spent on public welfare, every project implemented in full transparency, and every official accountable.

"Catch the thieves who take from the country, but equally important, we must create systems that prevent such behaviors. We are putting in place measures that will ensure the well-being of our people shall be serviced by the richness of our nation's wealth. From health and education to infrastructure and technology, we will orient our resources where they are best needed."

Everyone will be questioned, thought is not about fear; it's about fairness. Every bureaucrat will know that he owes accountability to the people, their acts will be questioned, and responsibility to the public will be complete.

But silence breeds corruption. And it is in our hands to change that. I appeal to each one of you to be an active agent in our journey toward transparency. Be it reporting injustice when you see it being meted out or standing up against exploitation. Demand accountability—be it from the leaders but also from yourselves and one another, as citizens of this great nation.

I pledge as Prime Minister to lead by example. I hold no special immunity; I hold no shield from the scrutiny of this new agency or from the judgment of the people. And I want every official to know that they will be held to the same standard. Because this fight is not only about policies or laws; it's about principles.

My fellow citizens, let's trust that we are building a system which will not abandon you. This government is your government. It is there to serve you, to uplift you, and to protect you. Every reform, every change, every step we take is for a future where our children will inherit a nation they'll be able to be proud of—a nation that will stand strong on the foundation of integrity and justice.

"Let this be the new chapter: where corruption no longer bedevils the aspirations of our great nation, where leaders lead with integrity, and citizens walk upright, proud knowing that their country stands for fairness and opportunity for all. Together, we will make this happen. Together, we will build the future we deserve and the future generations merit."

And as Animesh finally concluded his speech, the whole crowd stood all together, applauding and cheering him, spirits lifted, faith renewed. In his words, hope seemed to be fanned into a flame, a promise felt and fulfilled-the promise of a brighter, more just tomorrow.

"Please support me. I hope, you comments your thoughts here...! This will give me more power to write the next chapter..!"