Salem: In a bold move, a Salem-based youth has exposed corruption threadbare in the government sector, by shooting videos of officials demanding bribe to issue licenses to start a new business. An environmentalist and a civil engineer-turned-whistleblower; V Surendran, 30, from Dasanaickenpatty in Salem was allegedly forced to cough up Rs 14,600 to 15 government staff in various sectors to obtain permission to start an oil mill.
“They took a bribe ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 3,000 just to do the work, for which they are paid by the government,” he charged. In the whole process, Surendran alleged he had to grease the palms of staff in the food safety department, commercial taxes department, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), regulated market of the agriculture department, and District Industries Centre.
It all started when Surendran approached the commercial taxes department to start an oil mill with an investment of Rs 5 lakh. “When they demanded bribe, I thought of informing the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC). But changed plans, as police action would stop with just one department. So I decided to expose the malice of corruption prevailing in other sectors too with evidence,” he claimed.
“From foreman to assistant engineer in TNEB, they took bribe depending on their rank and authority. The officials, who came to inspect, demanded and got even the transportation charge. First, I was denied subsidy by the District Industries Centre for my business venture, but was granted after bribing.” “While all other departments had ‘fixed the bribe amount’, the food and safety department staff showed some consideration by asking me to give whatever I could.”
“Initially I wasn’t interested in giving bribe, but when they delayed the process and made me run from pillar to post, I was left with no other way, but to oblige. I video-recorded the entire process with mobile to create awareness among the public,” he said. Sending a right message on corruption, Surendran said, in the present scenario at least five per cent of the total investment has to be given in bribe to start a new business. “If the government intends to abolish black money, then it should eliminate corruption.”
Surendran said that he did not lodge a police complaint, as he believed that it would not make any difference in society. “Hence I shot the video to raise awareness among the public. Soon I will also reach out to school students on the ill effects of corruption.” In an irony of sorts, the corruption in various departments has been exposed at a time when the government is observing ‘Anti Corruption Week’ from October 31 to November 5.
