Making the Right Choices
“I wonder how much else I have to give to him to get working broadband connection. It’s been 3 months already. Cannot take any action on him because
1. I don't know language
2. Others here are happy to pay him to get work done.
3. If I report, he will definitely trouble for internet connection.”
The fear of dire consequences that could befall a person who reports a corrupt official often forces him/her to remain mum and endure the harassment. Such as the case of this respondent from Kerala who is afraid to raise his voice against this BSNL official who’s openly demanding bribes to set up broadband connection. What’s difficult to fathom here is when the respondent clearly knows he’s being played, yet he chooses to remain silent instead of reporting the corrupt lineman. It’s not surprising to know that a majority of Indians pick to do the same. I Paid A Bribe strongly advocates the respondent to follow three simple steps:
1. Complying with the corrupt lineman’s demands merely because you cannot speak his tongue is no excuse. You do not need a language to say NO to corruption.
2. Just because others are happy to bribe him, does not mean you follow the herd too. When you know it is wrong to pay a bribe, fight against it.
3. Living under the fear of being troubled for reporting against him only gives him more leverage to con others. Stand up for your right. Reporting against him should mean trouble for him, not you.
Awareness can be spread against the wrongdoings of government officers only if voices are raised by the harassed. You feed the corruption if you choose to remain silent and that is no solution to this social evil.