Corruption is something which all talk against in public and only a few respond against in their life. Who's really responsible for the wide spread of corruption in practically any sect of our day to day life.
I had an experience yesterday which I would like to share with you. I was in need of transporting wood frames from my wife's house in Tamil Nadu to my home in Kerala. The wood is intended for the construction of my home at Piravanthoor.
My father in law had obtained a certificate from the village officer stating that the wood is from our own property and no sale is involved. This is to get exemption from paying sales tax on entering Kerala, in the normal case of purchasing goods from other states.
Once they reached the check post, they were not permitted to enter. This was because the documentation required was not furnished with regard to the construction of the home, like building permit and approved plan. I asked them to go back and we will transport after making the necessary documents.
I met the Investigating Assistant Commissioner of commercial taxes department at Kottarakkara and he explained me about the required documentation.
I made available all the documentation and reached the check post with the goods. The officer in charge asked me to come to the back door of the building. I was sure he was asking me to bribe. I met the officer. He offered me a chair and asked me to sit down. He verified the papers and gave me suggestions regarding the submission of documents. He asked me to complete e deceleration formalities. I did so and he gave me the permit. No bribe was asked for. I said thanks and no one else in the checkpoint asked me bribe.
The same thing happened when I applied earlier for the building permit from Piravanthoor Panchayath and possession certificate and location sketch from Piravanthoor village office.
No one ever asked me bribe and I never gave. It is we who tempt the officials to do us undue favors by paying bribes. Next time when you say "The system is all corrupted", please keep in mind that I had the experience of dealing with a couple of good officers.
As jesus said, those who hadn't bribed anyone, but was asked bribe, it is your turn to throw stones.
NB: There can be exceptions. Exceptions should be considered as exceptions.
