Startup founder says BBMP sought bribe for water connection, gave official & unofficial options
In a shocking revelation, a Bengaluru-based startup founder, Ravichandra Reddy, has alleged that officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) demanded bribes for road-cutting work related to obtaining a water connection for his establishment. The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of corruption in the civic body and the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in setting up and running their businesses.
According to Reddy, the road cutting was necessary because the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road, making it essential to dig up the road to lay the connection. However, when he approached the BBMP officials to obtain the necessary permission, he was met with demands for bribes. The officials allegedly presented him with two options: an “official” payment of ₹80,000, which included a ₹20,000 bribe, or an “unofficial” payment of ₹40,000, with the condition that Reddy would have to restore the road himself after the work was completed.
This incident highlights the widespread corruption and red tape that entrepreneurs and businesses face while dealing with government agencies. The demand for bribes is not only unethical but also adds to the financial burden of setting up and running a business. It is unacceptable that officials who are supposed to facilitate and support the growth of businesses are instead exploiting them for personal gain.
The “official” and “unofficial” options presented to Reddy are particularly disturbing, as they suggest a systemic and institutionalized culture of corruption within the BBMP. The fact that officials are openly demanding bribes and providing alternative options for those who are willing to pay suggests a lack of accountability and a sense of impunity.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the BBMP’s internal controls and mechanisms for preventing corruption. If officials are able to demand bribes with such impunity, it suggests a lack of oversight and a failure to implement robust anti-corruption measures.
The experience of Ravichandra Reddy is not an isolated incident. Many entrepreneurs and businesses in Bengaluru have reported similar experiences of corruption and harassment while dealing with government agencies. The city’s reputation as a hub for startups and entrepreneurship is at risk of being tarnished by such incidents, which can discourage investment and hinder the growth of new businesses.
To address this issue, the BBMP and other government agencies must take immediate and decisive action to root out corruption and ensure that officials are held accountable for their actions. This can include implementing robust internal controls, increasing transparency and accountability, and providing training and support to officials to ensure that they are aware of and comply with anti-corruption laws and regulations.
Additionally, the government must also take steps to simplify and streamline the process of obtaining necessary permissions and licenses, reducing the opportunities for corruption and harassment. This can include introducing online platforms and digital systems for submitting applications and tracking progress, as well as establishing clear and transparent guidelines and procedures for obtaining permissions.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Ravichandra Reddy are a disturbing reminder of the corruption and red tape that entrepreneurs and businesses face in Bengaluru. It is essential that the BBMP and other government agencies take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that officials are held accountable for their actions. By promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, we can create a more favorable business environment and support the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the city.
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