Kochi ∙ ” Even if they bring it home, they don’t need any more paper, they are tired .. ” – These words are from Philomena in Kochi Perumbadappu Banglaparambil. “I’m been tired of going to the offices for a month and a half with my daughter, Minnie Jose. Eventually, her daughter threw all the papers in the officer’s face. The decision to end it all came when a Revenue Department employee at the Palluruthy regional office of the Kochi Corporation, who went in for a week and a half, demanded a bribe, ”she told Manorama Online.
Mini Josie returned home after 14 years in exile to support her aging parents. An attempt was made to start a rice mill in the old building adjacent to the house. For this, the offices went up to prepare the documents to apply for the Mudra loan of the Central Government.
Went to various offices for this for a month and a half. Permission was obtained from the Health Department and the Pollution Board. When I went to the corporation office, the first office demanded Rs 25,000. He said that he was going to give five thousand rupees to five people.
The project can be started only if the building is converted to industrial use. Official documents are required to obtain a loan. For this I went to the Revenue Office for a week and a half. Went to the office at least five times. Each time, for some reason, it is omitted. When he was last seen outside the building, an office worker said, “There are some things to it.” It was then realized that this was to receive a bribe.
When I went to the office and applied, I was asked for the building number from 25 years ago. He said he wanted a phone number too. When there is a number on the form then there is no need to ask for the phone number. They do not have the details of the building where they have been paying taxes for years! Her daughter, Minnie Josie, was furious when she realized that nothing could be done here without paying a bribe.
“Get out of here .. you’ll get nothing out of here ..” he said angrily. He pushed his mother away and came to lift the chair lying there. All those in office were witnesses to this. In desperation that nothing more would happen, he tore up all the documents he had earned for 16,000 rupees and put them in front of him. Minnie says that she is convinced that there is no way for ordinary people to make a living here and is thinking of giving up everything and going back to work somewhere abroad.
The vigilance office was also informed about the incident. Since the officers called from there, an attempt was made to reach a compromise from the office. It was posted on social media to inform the locals about this. Many have already called for support against the arrogance of the officials. Mini said officials at the vigilance office had also been notified that action could be taken on the complaint. Mini Josie’s post on social media about her experience in the corporation office was shared by over 6,000 people.
Being online requires time
Officials at the corporation office say no one has solicited bribes from Mini Josie, who came in for certificates to start the mill. The Revenue Office inspector said that was the only day they came to the office. As the online system is not ready, it will take time to find the documents and give permission. That’s why I was asked to come the next day. Officials said they did not wait until then and tore up government documents in their possession.
English Summary: Kochi corporation office demands bribe; Allegation