Startup founder says BBMP sought bribe for water connection, gave official & unofficial options
In a shocking revelation, a Bengaluru-based startup founder has come forward with allegations that officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) demanded bribes for granting permission for road-cutting work related to obtaining a water connection. The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of corruption in the city’s civic administration and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in setting up their businesses.
Ravichandra Reddy, the startup founder, claimed that he was asked to pay a bribe by BBMP officials in order to get a water connection for his office. The road-cutting work was necessary as the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road, and Reddy needed to lay a new pipeline to connect it to his office. However, when he approached the BBMP officials for permission, he was presented with two options: an official payment of ₹80,000, which included a ₹20,000 bribe, or an unofficial payment of ₹40,000, for which he would have to restore the road himself.
The demand for a bribe is not only unethical but also illegal, and it is surprising that the officials were brazen enough to offer two different options, one of which was clearly a bribe. The fact that the officials were willing to provide a “discount” of ₹40,000 if Reddy was willing to take on the responsibility of restoring the road himself suggests that they were confident in their ability to extort money from the startup founder.
Reddy’s allegations have highlighted the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Bengaluru, who often have to navigate a complex web of bureaucratic procedures and corrupt officials in order to set up and run their businesses. The demand for bribes is not only a financial burden but also a significant obstacle to doing business in the city. It can discourage entrepreneurs from setting up their businesses in Bengaluru and can also lead to a lack of trust in the civic administration.
The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of BBMP officials and the lack of transparency in their dealings. If the allegations are true, it suggests that there is a systemic problem within the BBMP, where officials feel empowered to demand bribes from citizens and businesses. The fact that Reddy was presented with two options, one of which was clearly a bribe, suggests that this is not an isolated incident and that there may be a larger racket at play.
The BBMP has a responsibility to provide basic services such as water connections to citizens and businesses, and it is not acceptable for officials to demand bribes for doing their job. The civic administration needs to take immediate action to investigate these allegations and take disciplinary action against the officials involved. The BBMP should also put in place measures to prevent such incidents in the future, such as increasing transparency and accountability, and providing clear guidelines for citizens and businesses on how to obtain basic services.
In addition, the government should take steps to create a more business-friendly environment in Bengaluru, where entrepreneurs can set up and run their businesses without having to navigate a complex web of bureaucratic procedures and corrupt officials. This can be achieved by simplifying procedures, reducing regulatory hurdles, and providing support and incentives to startups and small businesses.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Ravichandra Reddy are a serious concern and highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the civic administration. The BBMP needs to take immediate action to investigate these allegations and take disciplinary action against the officials involved. The government should also take steps to create a more business-friendly environment in Bengaluru, where entrepreneurs can thrive without having to pay bribes or navigate complex bureaucratic procedures.
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