The recent revelation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir—that one Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and 89 Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officers have been implicated in corruption-related First Information Reports (FIRs) since 2019—underscores a troubling reality. Despite the historic abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which was aimed at bringing transparency, development, and integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, corruption remains deeply entrenched in our system. This raises a critical question: Has administrative restructuring alone been enough to root out corruption, or is a more robust and systemic overhaul required? The abrogation of Article 370 was widely seen as a step toward eliminating the inefficiencies and corruption that had plagued Jammu and Kashmir for decades. It was expected that the removal of J&K’s special status would pave the way for greater accountability and good governance. However, as the ACB findings reveal, corruption persists at various levels of the administration, undermining public trust and impeding economic development. The issue is not just about individuals engaging in corrupt practices; it is about a deeply ingrained system that has allowed bureaucratic misconduct to thrive for years. For decades, local elites and bureaucrats leveraged Article 370 to evade scrutiny, creating a culture where favoritism, nepotism, and bribery were normalized. Even after its abrogation, many of the same power structures remain intact, allowing corruption to persist. While the Union Government has taken steps to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India, stronger institutional mechanisms are needed to combat corruption effectively. The ACB’s role must be expanded, ensuring it operates independently without political interference. Additionally, fast-track courts should be established to ensure swift punishment for those found guilty of corrupt practices. Public participation and transparency must also be enhanced. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, now applicable in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370, should be strengthened to empower citizens in holding public officials accountable. Digital governance initiatives, including the mandatory digitization of land records and government contracts, should be prioritized to reduce opportunities for fraud and bribery. The abrogation of Article 370 was a bold step toward restructuring Jammu and Kashmir, but it alone cannot eliminate corruption. A holistic approach—strengthening institutions, enforcing strict legal measures, and fostering a culture of accountability—is needed to rid our system of this menace. Without deeper systemic reforms, corruption will continue to hinder Jammu and Kashmir’s progress, keeping our people from realizing the true benefits of change.