In Tamil Nadu, if one needs to apply for any necessities from the government, one needs to get a certificate for the same from the Village’s administrative officials. So, it has become a common sight to see villagers standing in long queues to receive this certificate from the Village administrative officials.
However, it is also not easy to receive such a certificate. For every single signature, the VAO should be bribed. A lot of poor people are finding it difficult to bribe the officers and are forced to give their hard-earned money.
In this situation, a recent incident in the Tirupur district, has become an evidence to this allegation.
An unidentified person has put up a banner in Avinashi Panchayat, Tirupur. The banner’s title reads ‘Important Notice’ in Tamil, and is printed in bold letters. Below this title, the banner reads, “Nobody needs to argue with the Maniyakkara madam.” Below this, the banner gives details of the amount of bribe to be paid for the respective documents. The banner also says that the public will receive what they require, only if they paid the amount. The banner also says that a fake complaint will be lodged against those who disobey this rule.
Local government officials are not batting an eyelid on seeing this banner, and are rather going about their work. At the same time, the district administration is forced to look into the matter now.
(With inputs from Kathir News)
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