Article -65 Week 25
BROKEN WINGS
Dukhiram - I will never pay bribes.!
Sukhiram - A nobel thought! Huh!
Dukhiram - Don't dig at my misery. I went in for VAT registration. The guy wont accept my documents, because the electricity Bill is in the previous owner's name. And he is slapping a penalty because my business is already on and I am not paying VAT. And how can I pay VAT if I'm not registered? And how can I be registered unless I get an electricity Bill in the name of the new owner?
Sukhiram - What's the big deal? Give some other alternate document.
Dukhiram - This is a new premise. I have no bills for telephone or any other service. Moreover, I don't know what could be an alternative, because the guy doesn't tell me. He keeps on chewing Pan and spits out.
Sukhiram - Why don't you meet his senior?
Dukhiram - His senior is never there on his table. No one is sure when he comes and when he goes. I have tried for 3 days and managed to get him once. But he curtly told me to go back to the same Pan spitting guy.
Sukhiram - Can't you complain? Higher?
Dukhiram - Yes. I've seriously thought about that. But the guys there told me that, once you complain, the Department will avenge very badly. They are capable of finding many small faults or even fabricate them to fix me. I am afraid.
Sukhiram - That's bad. What are the options open to you?
Dukhiram - Best option is to pay a bribe of Rs 20,000/ to him in cash and he will register it 3 days time. He knows how to fix it. He told me. Then they will not trouble and will not ask for more during assessment as well. He assured me. Second option is to shut the business. Because, if I don't do any thing now, I would be doing this business illegally. And therefore would be liable for heavy penalties, including imprisonment.
Sukhiram - Going to prison is just a threat! I don't think they will do that.
Dukhiram - No. They won't. But they will use that as a threat to extract huge bribes from me. All for a silly electricity Bill not being in the correct name! I wish I knew this before!
Sukhiram - Why don't you hire a consultant?
Dukhiram - I have no more money to pay the consultant. I have invested all my money in this business. I have to take a loan from some one to pay for this bribe - if at all I decide to carry on!
Sukhiram - Why don't you go to Anti-Corruption Bureau?
Dukhiram - Come on Sukhi! How can I prove it? I have not even paid the bribe yet. Moreover, not having a document in a certain manner is a technical ground for rejection.
Sukhiram - I am not sure, what to tell you. If you go to Court, it would be very expensive as well and would take ages. If you really want, I can loan you the Rs 20,000/ for the bribe. I know what difficult times you are going through. You have a large family and so much of responsibility on your strong shoulder.
Dukhiram - (His eyes well up with tears of dejection and he slumps on his stool.) I have changed my mind. I'm a common man. I have to live and take care of my family. I will pay bribe.
Brgds
Capt Rath
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