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. The founder, Ravichandra Reddy, claimed that he was given two options: an “official” payment with a bribe, or an “unofficial” payment with the added responsibility of restoring the road himself.
According to Reddy, the road cutting was necessary as the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road, and he needed to connect it to his startup’s premises. However, when he approached the BBMP officials for permission, they demanded an exorbitant amount of ₹80,000 as the official payment, along with a bribe of ₹20,000. This brought the total cost to ₹1,00,000, which Reddy found unacceptable.
The unofficial option presented to Reddy was to pay ₹40,000, but with the condition that he would have to restore the road himself after the road-cutting work was completed. This option, although cheaper, would have added to Reddy’s workload and expenses, as he would have had to arrange for the necessary materials and labor to restore the road.
Reddy’s allegations highlight the rampant corruption that exists in the BBMP, where officials are willing to bend rules and demand bribes for even the most basic services. The fact that Reddy was given two options, one official and one unofficial, suggests that the corruption is systemic and well-organized.
The demand for bribes by BBMP officials is not only unethical but also illegal. It is a clear violation of the law and undermines the trust that citizens have in the government. The BBMP, as a civic body, is responsible for providing basic services such as water connections, and it is not right that citizens are forced to pay bribes to access these services.
Reddy’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many citizens in Bengaluru have faced similar issues with the BBMP, where they have been forced to pay bribes to get basic services such as water connections, building permits, and trade licenses. The corruption in the BBMP has become so rampant that it has become a major obstacle to doing business in the city.
The Karnataka government has launched several initiatives to curb corruption in the BBMP, including the introduction of online platforms for applying for various services. However, these initiatives have had limited success, and corruption remains a major issue in the civic body.
In recent years, there have been several instances of corruption in the BBMP, including the infamous “steel flyover” scam, where officials were accused of demanding bribes from contractors. The scam led to a major outcry, and the government was forced to cancel the project.
The BBMP has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The civic body has been accused of not providing adequate information to citizens about its activities and finances, making it difficult to track corruption.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Ravichandra Reddy against the BBMP officials are a stark reminder of the corruption that exists in the civic body. The demand for bribes by officials is unacceptable and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the BBMP. The government must take immediate action to curb corruption in the BBMP and ensure that citizens are able to access basic services without having to pay bribes.
As Reddy’s experience shows, the corruption in the BBMP is not only a hindrance to doing business in the city but also a major obstacle to the growth and development of the city. The government must take a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and ensure that officials who demand bribes are punished severely.
The people of Bengaluru deserve better, and it is time for the government to take action to clean up the BBMP and make it a more transparent and accountable civic body.
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