66% of Companies Report Paying Bribes for Government Services: Survey

A recent survey has revealed alarming levels of corruption in both central and state government offices, with 66 out of every 100 businesses reporting that they had to pay bribes to avail themselves of government services. The findings underscore the persistence of bribery despite efforts to increase transparency through initiatives such as the installation of CCTV cameras.

Key Findings from the Survey
•    Prevalence of Bribery: An overwhelming 86% of reported bribes were paid in cash, highlighting the opaque nature of these transactions.
•    High-Risk Departments: The top government departments where bribes are most commonly paid include:
o    Food, Drug, and Health (75%)
o    Labour and EPF (69%)
o    Property and Land Registration (68%)
o    GST Offices (62%)
o    Pollution Control (59%)
•    Businesses Forced to Pay: 54% of companies admitted they were compelled to pay bribes to government officials to expedite clearances or secure approvals.

Corruption Despite Reforms
Even with CCTV surveillance in many government offices, the report shows little reduction in corrupt practices. Officials often demand bribes indirectly, creating challenges for businesses trying to operate transparently. Start-ups and small businesses have been particularly vulnerable, as they depend heavily on timely government clearances.

Urgent Need for Action
Experts and industry leaders are calling for stricter monitoring mechanisms, better enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and digital platforms to minimize human intervention. Creating accountability at all levels of governance is seen as critical to eliminating bribery and fostering a more business-friendly environment.
This report serves as a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform to ensure fair and transparent access to government services for all businesses.