'You can leave it to me sir. At the most, it will cost you a few
extra rupees. Moreover, you can't go round those government offices. I will do
it for you," said office boy Ramli.
"Okay, but I want to see canker it done without further delay," said Sandeep with dreamy eyes. He was building his own house at last and that too on the auspicious occasion of his 29th birthday.
He was trying to visualise how he would prove his father's statement wrong that it wasn't easy to build one's own house so early in life or get one's ugly daughter married off in safe hands. Days have passed since his father was at the prime of his life and times, seemingly, have changed. Soon after his graduations, he went away in search for greener pastures and succeeded in earning a few extra dollars.
By the time he was 25 he bagged the job he was looking for and after another three years of service, was able to prove his mettle in that prestigious software company in USA. He returned to India to head the company's operations and earn a staggering one lakh a month. His sole priority after he returned was to own a dream house. It's not that difficult any way.
Unaware of the ways of the land for he was away for long, he couldn't understand the procedure he was required to follow, and which, his real estate broker took pains to explain to him. Ramli, who was there, assured him that he could get it done. He felt much relieved thinking that all he had to do was to shed a few extra bucks. That was all.
Sandeep was busy making enquiries about the best architects in the city and getting all the beautiful houses photographed. But, when Ramli charged him Rs 50,000 extra for registration of the plot he felt a bit uncomfortable. "Oh! It's too much. I thought it would cost me 10,000 at the most but 50,000 is more than a bit too much."
"Sir, the file has to move from the bottom of the pile to the top. You will have to make preparations to grease the palms of the officials if you want it to move steadily. Why bother about 50,000 when you are actually spending hundred times the amount. Think again. Your work will be done in a week's time while it usually takes months," explained Ramli. But, this sermon didn't quite pacify Sandeep. He tried to console himself, but in vain.
He kept
pondering over the incident and calculating how much time it took him to earn
50,000. As the days passed by, the confusion subsided, but he just couldn't get
the incident out of his mind. He repented having entrusted the responsibility
to the office boy. "Okay, but I want to see canker it done without further delay," said Sandeep with dreamy eyes. He was building his own house at last and that too on the auspicious occasion of his 29th birthday.
He was trying to visualise how he would prove his father's statement wrong that it wasn't easy to build one's own house so early in life or get one's ugly daughter married off in safe hands. Days have passed since his father was at the prime of his life and times, seemingly, have changed. Soon after his graduations, he went away in search for greener pastures and succeeded in earning a few extra dollars.
By the time he was 25 he bagged the job he was looking for and after another three years of service, was able to prove his mettle in that prestigious software company in USA. He returned to India to head the company's operations and earn a staggering one lakh a month. His sole priority after he returned was to own a dream house. It's not that difficult any way.
Unaware of the ways of the land for he was away for long, he couldn't understand the procedure he was required to follow, and which, his real estate broker took pains to explain to him. Ramli, who was there, assured him that he could get it done. He felt much relieved thinking that all he had to do was to shed a few extra bucks. That was all.
Sandeep was busy making enquiries about the best architects in the city and getting all the beautiful houses photographed. But, when Ramli charged him Rs 50,000 extra for registration of the plot he felt a bit uncomfortable. "Oh! It's too much. I thought it would cost me 10,000 at the most but 50,000 is more than a bit too much."
"Sir, the file has to move from the bottom of the pile to the top. You will have to make preparations to grease the palms of the officials if you want it to move steadily. Why bother about 50,000 when you are actually spending hundred times the amount. Think again. Your work will be done in a week's time while it usually takes months," explained Ramli. But, this sermon didn't quite pacify Sandeep. He tried to console himself, but in vain.
By the time the construction work started he had gathered all the necessary information about the procedure of obtaining a municipal license. Armed with the registration papers he went to the municipal office. To his utter confoundment he found the office empty. On inquiring he was told the personnel were all away on field duty and would return in evening. "But, it coincides with my office hours," he murmured as he made his way out of the office deciding to come some other time.
After three successive attempts he finally succeeded in obtaining the application. Going through the form, he thought it would be easy finding out a solution to the new computer application rather than filling it. But determined to do it in a cost effective manner Sandeep filled it and submitted it in due time.
He waited expecting he would get the permission letter by post or in person within a month's space. Meanwhile, he busied himself making preparations for the construction. He talked to a contractor relating his preferences and calculating the total expenditure.
After about a couple of months he got a phone call from the municipal office. The person at the other end asked his name and address. It was the local corporator. "Do you think the license will come walking all the way home to you? Don't you think you should talk to me about it," posed Ramesh Yadav, the corporator.
"Why should I?" retorted Sandeep. "I filled it up according to the procedures and paid the fee in due time. Is there anything wrong?" he asked feigning innocence.
"Everybody does that. But, until I say yes, none will pick up your file let alone pass it. You should come and meet me and I'll let you know what you are expected to do," the corporator answered.
"Tell me what I should do? Are the papers not in proper order or are some of them missing?" Sandeep inquired.
"You didn't get my point. This is the problem with you educated fellows. You come and meet me here and I'll tell you everything you need to know," said the corporator.
Sandeep was deeply irritated but kept his tongue in check. He thought hard where this would lead him. Committed to working within deadlines he rushed to the office next day. The corporator wouldn't be available in office, he was told. "He can be got at his residence," Sandeep was told. "Why should I go all the way to his house to meet him? Okay, let me see," he frowned. He copied down his telephone number and address.
When Sandeep telephoned, the corporator answered roughly and asked him to come down between 3 and 6 in the evening. "I'll be busy at office. Any other time," asked Sandeep.
"Busy? Very well, I too will be very busy. But surely you want your license," he hung up much to Sandeep's frustration. He felt it humiliating to talk to this fellow. None in office dare to talk to him in that strain. "But, I want my license," he said to himself trying to control his anger.
Sandeep made at least four rounds around the residence of the corporator. He was amazed at the way the fellow conducted himself. He was literally holding a durbar with petitioners on one side and the municipal officials on their toes taking notes. "Ah! What power?" felt Sandeep.
He got a earful from the rustic as he went on explaining how he has to appease the officials back in office to get his license sanctioned and wanted him to pay Rs 25,000. "I will have to pay 5,000 to every one of them. That is really the bare minimum. I'll be left with the same amount," he summed up. Having cursed himself for embarking on the project, Sandeep decided to leave. But, it didn't end his tale of woe.
Sandeep had a wild argument with the mayor when his file reached its last stage. The mayor was a middle aged, semi-literate man.
Sandeep was enraged at him on hearing: "You will have to pay Rs 20,000 to my personal assistant. Come back tomorrow evening and take your license."
Unable to control his anger Sandeep shouted, "What the hell should I give the money for. Is it not your job to sanction licenses? I paid the entire fee as per statute and even greased the palms of your dirty employees."
"Wait, wait. Don't lose your cool young man. This is a common feature here. If you want your license follow the instructions or else better depart before things take a wrong turn," said the mayor.
"Why should I pay? Are you not paid for this job?" Sandeep inquired.
"How much do you get for sitting in that air conditioned room for just eight hours a day. You know the amount I get for being on this job round the clock. I need to attend to each and every problem the residents face," the mayor posed.
"You are here by choice," said Sandeep.
"Of course. But in times such as these when smart, young and able-bodied youth like you are busy chasing wealth who do you think will take the burden of ruling this town. Don't make me talk more else you will feel bad for having let your tongue loose. Enough is enough, my boy,"
"Why? What should I feel bad for? Aren't you ashamed for trying to justify blatant corruption"
The mayor's face reddened. He took a deep breath. "Do you think my fortunes will brighten up with that paltry amount you have been asked to give? Who do you think will decorate the entire town when a VIP like the chief minister comes for a visit? Where is the money going to come from? Do you think the honororium I am paid every month is more than enough to take care of my family? I am certain your salary is ten times the amount I get every month," said the mayor his eyes fixed on Sandeep all the while.
Sandeep took out his handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his forehead. He came back to his senses slowly. He felt lonely and helpless. Pondering over the people he had met and their behaviour he had a sudden feeling that his license was more important than anything else in the world. He walked out of the mayor's office with that precious bit of paper in his hand.
Ends/
This story was published in The Statesman on December 2, 2007.
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