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 from him in exchange for granting permission for road-cutting work related to getting a water connection for his office. The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of corruption in the city’s civic administration and the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in setting up and running their businesses.
According to Reddy, the road-cutting work was necessary as the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road from his office. To get the water connection, he needed to lay a pipeline across the road, which required cutting through the asphalt. However, when he approached the BBMP officials to obtain the necessary permission, he was met with demands for bribes.
The officials allegedly offered Reddy two options: an “official” option, which would cost him ₹80,000, plus an additional ₹20,000 as a bribe, or an “unofficial” option, which would cost him ₹40,000, but would require him to restore the road himself after the pipeline was laid. Reddy was taken aback by the blatant demand for bribes and the fact that the officials were offering him a choice between two options, both of which involved paying extra money to get the work done.
Reddy’s experience is not an isolated incident, and it highlights the deep-seated corruption that exists in the BBMP. The civic body has been plagued by allegations of corruption and inefficiency, and this incident is just another example of how the system is rigged against honest citizens and entrepreneurs. The fact that officials are openly demanding bribes and offering “unofficial” options to citizens is a clear indication of the lack of accountability and transparency within the organization.
The demand for bribes by BBMP officials is not only unethical but also illegal. The Karnataka Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, prohibits public servants from demanding or accepting bribes, and those found guilty can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. However, despite the laws in place, corruption continues to thrive in the city’s civic administration, and it is up to the authorities to take strong action against those involved.
The incident also raises questions about the ease of doing business in Bengaluru, which is often touted as one of the most vibrant and entrepreneurial cities in the country. If startup founders and entrepreneurs are forced to pay bribes to get basic services like water connections, it can be a major deterrent to setting up and running a business in the city. The city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship is at stake, and it is up to the authorities to ensure that the system is fair, transparent, and corruption-free.
Reddy’s allegations have sparked a heated debate about the need for reform in the BBMP and the importance of ensuring that the city’s civic administration is free from corruption. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the system, including the use of technology to streamline processes and reduce the scope for corruption.
In recent years, the Karnataka government has introduced several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in the state, including the establishment of a single-window clearance system for startups and the introduction of online platforms for obtaining various permits and licenses. However, the incident involving Reddy and the BBMP officials suggests that there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring that the system is free from corruption and that entrepreneurs can operate without fear of harassment or extortion.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Ravichandra Reddy against the BBMP officials are a serious cause for concern, and they highlight the need for urgent reform in the city’s civic administration. The incident is a reminder that corruption is a major obstacle to doing business in Bengaluru, and it is up to the authorities to take strong action against those involved and to ensure that the system is fair, transparent, and corruption-free. The city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship is at stake, and it is up to the authorities to ensure that the system is conducive to the growth and development of startups and entrepreneurs.
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