- I Paid A Bribe
- 13 years ago
- 983 views
Speedy identity
- Passport
- New Passport Application
- Paid INR 3,000
I'd lost my passport and needed it replaced since I was leaving the country to study. I waited in line from 4.30 to 11.30 a.m. on the first day but to no avail. When I came back the next day I succumbed to the coaxing of touts who said that for Rs. 3000 I'd get a receipt that said I'd get a new passport the next day.
I did get a receipt but it didn't say that I'd get the passport the next day. So I went back to the tout, who -- and this part was most in-your-face -- sent me back to the official at the passport counter. This gentleman, apparently the tout's own brother, let his displeasure at my return known through grimaces and grunts. But he did give me a receipt with the next day's date. All in front of other people who'd get their passports back much later.
So the network of bribes in the Kolkata passport office is not just a family affair, but starts from outside the first step to inside the central office.
Obviously it's up to susceptible people like me to change and stem the rot.