City's bribe drive inspires US

BANGALORE: ‘Ipaidabribe', a campaign which has created a buzz in the city, is likely to be replicated in the US. Impressed by the crusade against corruption launched by Janaagraha, US-based Sunlight Foundation, which is working towards digitalizing government documents in states, is mulling over launching a similar website there.
Ellen S Miller, executive director, Sunlight Foundation, said the website will create awareness about subtle corruption rampant in the US.Miller was in Bangalore to take part in a collaboration with Janaagraha to announce a grant of $3 million that they are receiving from US-based company Omidiyar Network to advance technology for government transparency in India. The three-year grant will also support a national online civic engagement platform, `iJanagraha', and bribe-reporting website `Ipaidabribe'.
Unlike India, US citizens don't pay bribe to get civic issues sorted out. "But in the US, corruption is rampant in subtle ways. People pay bribe to fix an appointment with a politician. The experience of US citizens could be different but the issue is the same. We are still thinking about how successfully it can be implemented," Miller told TOI.
There is no system in place to hold non-governmental organizations accountable for their work. This grant can enhance accountability, said Ramesh Ramanathan, co-founder of Janaagraha.
"Omidyar Network is proud to partner with Janaagraha and offer technology and human capital expertise to help the NGO scale its model and online platforms across the world's largest democracy," said Jayant Sinha, managing director, Omidyar Network India Advisors.
On Gandhi Jayanthi, Janaagraha will launch ‘iJanaagraha', a new online portal committed to urban issues, both electoral and civic. The portal aims to initiate positive social change by building networks of communities and local civic bodies, providing data on urban issues, fostering civic awareness and providing training.