Corruption

by Kandeeban
(Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India)

The most frustrating thing is widespread corruption in every department of life.

Recently a month back, I had to obtain power lines to our newly-renovated building and for that matter, I had to visit the assistant engineer responsible for our area to get lines.

When I approached his office, I realized it was not so easy to see him as I had to go through the red-tape mechanism, i.e., first his juniors and foremen should be greased before I could reach their boss. They did not demand money outright but put forth so many questions and procedures that I had supposed to follow (which in practical life is not at all possible).

After I answered to their queries honestly, they suggested that in order to get the lines, I had to spend some money to their superiors and stated that these people will not get even a dime. Also, they did not take the money immediately.

They made me visit them for more than 5 times before they indicated the amount and the mode of payment. At last, it took me a full month before I could get the power lines.

It is unfortunate that I had to go through so much red-tape and jump all the hoops to get a power line that is so necessary for our functioning. Things like this cause me a great deal of stress.