By Sumitha Narayanan Kutty
IPaidABribe.com: A unique initiative that's leading the fight against corruption. Tell the world your bribe story
I've paid a bribe. And yes, so have you.
From creating a simple affidavit, to police verification for passports, we are left with no option but to 'tip' the person involved.
To many, it's no big deal. 'Kaam ho jaata hai' (Work gets done) seems the best policy. And turning a blind eye to it, makes that policy less 'injurious to health'.
The bottomline: In this nation of a billion people, bribery is an open secret and 'Yeh to hota rehta hai' (These things keep happening), the best attitude.
IPaidABribe.com: What's the 'Market Price of Corruption'?
Yet in these dark times, there are some who take a stand, some who forge ahead anyway and believe in change.
They are no A-listers. These are people just like you and me. Citizens who are fed up with the inefficient machinery that the Indian bureaucracy is.
Rather than throw up their hands in despair, here's a group that decided to 'blow the whistle' in a very innovative way.
The idea- 'I Paid a Bribe' (IPAB), an online tool where citizens report instances where they have paid or resisted the demand for a bribe.
The website is the brainchild of Janaagraha- a Bangalore-based organisation. Swati Ramanathan co-founded Janaagraha with her husband Ramesh.
The Ramanathans bring some much needed expertise and optimism to 'the pursuit of real democracy'. Janaagraha powered successful campaigns like Jago Re. The initiative encouraged voters to register for the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. Over six lakh people did.
In 2010, they launched the 'I Paid a Bribe' campaign.
"Using your stories we'll advocate with the government for an improved system", proclaims the site. And it has swiftly proven effective.
The Numbers Say It All
'I Paid A Bribe' has had over 3 lakh hits since launch last year. Reactions have poured in from 282 cities across India with Mumbai leading the charge. A total estimate of 49 crore rupees has been reported as bribe money by citizens all over.
It's appalling to note that Mumbai alone has registered bribe demands totalling to 4,108 lakh rupees. The website homepage even provides a 'bribe analytics' tab for a more detailed break-up of those figures.
Another feature is the 'Hall of Shame'- where you get all the latest news related to corruption and the fight against it.
You even have a Forum to discuss various issues- land, water, certificates, taxation, etc. How to get a new water connection? What are the fines for trafic violation? All you wanted to know about tax deductions, registrations, reimbursements- everything and anything under the sun. Post your queries or lend advice to others.
In addition, the webpage hosts The One Million Campaign- a signature drive to collect 1 million votes to force the government to ratify the UN Convention against Corruption.
A Step in the Right Direction
So is it only about venting frustrations? No.
IPAB clarifies: "It is also a forum to discuss corruption and anti-corruption methods. Moreover, in our second phase of engagement we compile bribe reports received on the site and analyse them."
It has been a tough year for our country. Its global image taking a huge beating with the nation reeling from one scam after another.
In retrospect, perhaps a Rs 8,000 crore (CWG) or a record Rs 1 lakh crore scam (2G) should come as no surprise. IPAB's numbers prove that the corrupt begin very early with the odd Rs 100 or Rs 500.
Today, our safest bet might be just this-
Shame the bureaucracy thoroughly enough, to force those in power to take a step in the right direction.
So log in now. Tell the world your bribe story.
Source: India Syndicate
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