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 for his office. Ravichandra Reddy, the founder, took to social media to share his experience, sparking outrage and highlighting the rampant corruption in the system.
According to Reddy, the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road from his office, making it necessary to cut the road to lay the pipeline. However, when he approached the BBMP officials to obtain the necessary permission, he was met with a demand for bribes. The officials presented him 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.
The fact that the officials were brazen enough to offer both official and unofficial options, with the latter clearly being a bribe, is a testament to the entrenched corruption within the BBMP. It is appalling that a startup founder, who is already struggling to navigate the complexities of setting up a business, is being forced to pay bribes to access basic services like water.
Reddy’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners in Bengaluru have faced similar demands for bribes from BBMP officials. The corruption is so rampant that it has become a major obstacle for startups and small businesses, which are already struggling to survive in a competitive market.
The BBMP’s demand for bribes is not only unethical but also illegal. The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, both prohibit the demand and acceptance of bribes by public officials. However, despite these laws, corruption continues to thrive within the BBMP.
The issue of corruption within the BBMP is not new. There have been numerous reports of officials demanding bribes for various services, including issuing trade licenses, granting building permits, and providing water connections. The problem is so widespread that it has become a major concern for the citizens of Bengaluru.
The Karnataka government has taken some steps to address the issue of corruption within the BBMP. The government has introduced online portals for various services, including applying for water connections and trade licenses, to reduce the interaction between citizens and officials. However, more needs to be done to root out corruption and ensure that citizens can access basic services without having to pay bribes.
In the case of Reddy, the BBMP officials’ demand for bribes has not only caused him financial loss but also delayed his business operations. The startup founder had to spend valuable time and resources to navigate the complex process of obtaining a water connection, which could have been used to focus on his business.
The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the BBMP. The government needs to take concrete steps to address the issue of corruption and ensure that officials are held accountable for their actions. This can be achieved by introducing stricter penalties for corruption, increasing transparency in the decision-making process, and providing citizens with easy access to information and services.
In conclusion, the allegation of bribe demand by BBMP officials for a water connection is a disturbing reminder of the rampant corruption within the system. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the BBMP and the need for the government to take concrete steps to address the issue of corruption. As a startup founder, Reddy’s experience is a warning to other entrepreneurs and small business owners in Bengaluru, who may face similar demands for bribes.
The government needs to take immediate action to address the issue of corruption and ensure that citizens can access basic services without having to pay bribes. This can be achieved by introducing reforms that promote transparency and accountability, and by providing citizens with easy access to information and services.
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