Startup founder says BBMP sought bribe for water connection, gave official & unofficial options
In a shocking revelation, a Bengaluru-based startup founder has alleged that officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) demanded bribes for road-cutting work related to getting a water connection. Ravichandra Reddy, the founder, took to social media to express his frustration and disappointment with the corrupt practices of the civic body. According to Reddy, the road cutting was necessary as the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road, and the officials demanded exorbitant amounts of money to grant permission for the work.
Reddy’s startup is located in a rapidly growing area of Bengaluru, and like many other businesses, it requires a reliable water supply to operate. However, when he approached the BBMP to get a water connection, he was met with a web of bureaucratic red tape and corruption. The officials informed him that road cutting was necessary to lay the water pipeline, but they would need to be paid a substantial amount of money to grant permission for the work.
The officials presented Reddy with two options: an “official” payment of ₹80,000, which would include a ₹20,000 bribe, or an “unofficial” payment of ₹40,000, for which Reddy would have to restore the road himself after the work was completed. The fact that the officials were open about the bribe and provided two options, one of which was unofficial, highlights the entrenched corruption within the BBMP.
Reddy was shocked and disappointed by the demands, and he refused to pay the bribe. He believes that it is the responsibility of the civic body to provide basic services like water supply without demanding bribes. He also pointed out that the corruption within the BBMP is not only affecting businesses but also the general public, who have to pay extra for basic services.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many people expressing their frustration and anger at the corrupt practices of the BBMP. The civic body has been plagued by corruption and inefficiency for years, and the incident highlights the need for reforms and greater accountability.
The demand for bribes by BBMP officials is not an isolated incident. There have been numerous reports of corruption and bribery within the civic body, and it is widely acknowledged that corruption is a major obstacle to doing business in Bengaluru. The city’s rapid growth and development have created a huge demand for basic services like water supply, sanitation, and infrastructure, but the BBMP has struggled to keep pace.
The Karnataka government has launched several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in the state, but the incident highlights the need for more to be done to tackle corruption and improve governance. The government needs to take decisive action to root out corruption within the BBMP and ensure that basic services are provided without demanding bribes.
In addition, the government should also consider introducing measures to increase transparency and accountability within the civic body. This could include the introduction of online systems for applying for services, as well as mechanisms for tracking the status of applications and complaints. The government should also ensure that there are adequate penalties for corruption and that officials who demand bribes are held accountable.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and activism among citizens. Reddy’s decision to speak out against the corruption and bribery has sparked a wider conversation about the need for reforms and greater accountability within the BBMP. Citizens need to be more vigilant and report incidents of corruption and bribery, and the government should encourage and support whistleblowers who come forward to expose corruption.
In conclusion, the incident highlights the need for urgent reforms within the BBMP to tackle corruption and improve governance. The civic body needs to be more transparent and accountable, and the government should introduce measures to increase transparency and accountability. The incident also highlights the need for greater awareness and activism among citizens, and the importance of speaking out against corruption and bribery.
About the Author
