- I Paid A Bribe
- 14 years ago
- 5165 views
Endemic bribing at RTO office, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
- Transport
- New Domestic Driving License
- Paid INR 1,000
A recent return from the U.S., I tried the honest way to get a learner's license. I met with numerous hurdles. At every stage, I was asked for my 'ration card,' PAN number, and what not. Of course, I did not have these. I offered my rental lease agreement, but that was rejected. I was asked to ********** the RTO, who also rejected the 'Overeas Citizen of India (OCI) card that I proffered. The RTO siad he would not accept that as any proof of identity, because it was not from his jurisdiction. Finally he agreed to accept my Indian marriage certificate (with no photo or any other ID, mind you) - I suspect because he wanted to get on with his business. The process took 5 days. When it was time to get a permanent license, I just succumbed, and went to a 'broker,' one of many standing outside the RTO's office. His rate was Rs. 1000. The break-up was:
Rs. 350 - License fee (with receipt)
Rs. 100 - bribe to the license photopgrapher
Rs. 300 to Rs. 400 to the RTO inspector**
The remainder to the broker as his fees.
**Some inspectors take Rs. 300, and one particular guy there takes Rs. 400. The broker explained that this 'expensive' inspector had paid Rs. 7 lakhs to get his position, and needed to recoup the money!