CORRUPTION DOESN’T STOP AT THE BORDER
An Indian-American friend of mine was grumbling about
corruption in India, blaming it for the country’s slow
development and the reluctance of NRIs to invest in the
economy. “Everyone in India accepts bribes,” he complained.
I asked him about his sister in Bangalore. He said she’s
still waiting for her green card, though he sponsored her 15
years ago. “No one in America accepts bribes,” he
complained.
Of course, he was exaggerating — on both counts. Not
everyone in India accepts bribes. In fact, the National
Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC) has compiled a list of
government officials who have never accepted bribes and
hopes to give awards — perhaps even gold watches — to
both of them.
If you want to know the names of these honest officials,
just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to NACC — and
don’t forget to include a token of your appreciation,
preferably in the form of cash. The more you pay, the more
likely the response.
Truth be told, there are hundreds of millions of people who
have never accepted bribes. They are known as THE POOR.
Though they have little money, some have to pay off others
just to maintain their basic needs, such as a good spot on
the pavement.
Corruption, unfortunately, extends into every sphere of life
and is almost unavoidable. Money can get you just about
anything: a good job, a good education, a good Internet
connection.
From the lofty chief ministers to the lowly street sweepers,
everyone has a price. And being caught on tape accepting a
bribe won’t necessarily jeopardize your career, especially
if you can find someone else to bribe.
Even if you’ve just stuffed thousands of rupees into your
pockets, you can plead your innocence. “This is not a bribe.
This is a donation. I am a very honest person. As a wise man
once said, it pays to be honest.”
Yes, corruption is a serious problem, but despite what some
believe, India is not the most corrupt country in the world.
That distinction belongs to Bangladesh, which finished dead
last among 91 countries surveyed for the 2002 Corruption
Perceptions Index of Transparency International. India
ranked 71st.
Finland was the least corrupt country, while the U.S.
finished 16th. America was ranked high partly because its
politicians don’t accept bribes. They accept “campaign
contributions.”
Whether or not we want to admit it, some of us wish we could
get away with more “contributions” in America.
Immigration officer: “Welcome to America, Mr. Gopal. Do you
have a visa?”
Gopal: “No, sir, but I have a MasterCard. What can I buy for
you?”
Officer: “Just leave the card with me, Mr. Gopal. I like to
do my own shopping. It will save you some trouble.”
Gopal: “That is very kind of you, sir. And I’m sure you will
also be kind to the next 200 people in line. They are my
relatives. I’m sponsoring them – with that MasterCard.”
