• I Paid A Bribe
• 11 years ago
• 1663 views

Bribe to process new passport application

• Passport
• New Passport Application
• Paid INR 2,000

I went to the Theni collectorate-passport office to process a passport application for my mother. There was no help or co-operation from the office. Most of the time there were too many people, agents and unco-operative officials. Ultimately, I gave up and asked help from a friend who knows how to get things done. He advised me to go to an agent who has set up a temporary shed just opposite to the gates of the collectorate office. This guy tells me that it will cost $2000 to get this done and explains what kind of a percentage and who will get what. I paid the money and within three days, the paper work is done and reached police verification stage. We were told how much additional money to be paid to get the police verification done. In this case, my mother will personally visit and verify that she is the application. This led to additional cost in terms of private taxi. There should be no cost as the applicant is coming to verify. Also, the applicant is available in the given address.

This is how the whole system operates: Make it very difficult to the applicant. Find faults with the application process if the bribe is not paid. No faults will be found since the agent will make sure the 'problem' areas does not exist. Even there is a mistake, it will be corrected and rectified if the bribe is paid. On the otherhand, if the bribe is not paid, the very officer will reject the application or delay it for months.

I had two options: Not to pay the bribe and follow through the government procedure. Get delayed and accept the cost involved. Loss of pay, loss of man hours, incidental expenses in terms of travel cost, meals and other loses. Ultimately, it will come to the same cost. $2000 over a period of a month. Pay the same bribe it will be done in a week.

Second option: Organize a friendly crowd and create awareness. Try to help others in filling the forms in the correct way. The problem is we are not at a stage where we are able to do it ourselves and help others who need help.

Third option: Demand that the application needs to be made simple and understandable. The government officials are no fools to make it simple. If it is simple where is the income?

Conclusion: This will go on. The public does not have the will to fight. The government officials want to make quick bucks. The agents are there to act as middle man. Life goes on India like this. Thanks to Karunanithi and others who have made the corruption as a great institution.