10-01-2003, 04:23 AM
I agree with Mudy. In my case I have not lived in India for the past 40 years, but i do go there every year and have to interact with various officials. I can truthfully say i have never given a bribe. It gets a little tense but nevertheless my job gets done in the end.
In my view the bribe giver is as much at fault as the bribe taker. If there were no bribe givers there would be no bribe takers. I know this may not work everytime, but Indians have a propensity to assume that in every case a bribe is necessary. It would be judicious to take the name of the official (ask for his business card) and the name of his superior (that will strike some fear in him - maybe) and maybe even take a polaroid camera or even better a digital camera(quick like a bunny take his picture before he can refuse). If your work does not get done tell him on the way out oh by the way ,I plan to write a letter to the next 10 officials in your chain of cammand, and remember i have your name, rank and serial number. I will ask you be removed from office. Furthermore , I have a second uncle twice removed who is assistant joint underscretary in the Ministry of redundant works who i am going to inform. (this is only as a last resort, he has probably heard this many a time before and may not be impressed)
Slowly but surely bribery will diminish as people refuse to pay bribes. It is merely a reflection of a servile behavior with low self esteem to think that everything in life is related to money. We have to get over that as a nation and not be so materialistic. Of course if we are trying to get something extra legal for the money the above wont work.
In my view the bribe giver is as much at fault as the bribe taker. If there were no bribe givers there would be no bribe takers. I know this may not work everytime, but Indians have a propensity to assume that in every case a bribe is necessary. It would be judicious to take the name of the official (ask for his business card) and the name of his superior (that will strike some fear in him - maybe) and maybe even take a polaroid camera or even better a digital camera(quick like a bunny take his picture before he can refuse). If your work does not get done tell him on the way out oh by the way ,I plan to write a letter to the next 10 officials in your chain of cammand, and remember i have your name, rank and serial number. I will ask you be removed from office. Furthermore , I have a second uncle twice removed who is assistant joint underscretary in the Ministry of redundant works who i am going to inform. (this is only as a last resort, he has probably heard this many a time before and may not be impressed)
Slowly but surely bribery will diminish as people refuse to pay bribes. It is merely a reflection of a servile behavior with low self esteem to think that everything in life is related to money. We have to get over that as a nation and not be so materialistic. Of course if we are trying to get something extra legal for the money the above wont work.