I remember back in 1997, when i refused to give bribe to a ration card clerk, the guys standing in line behind me got upset with me. They thought I was holding up the line and were angry that I made a fuss about giving bribe. They wanted me to give bribe and move on. What message they were giving to the ration clerk ? that it is ok to take bribe and I was wrong by refusing to give in. I threatned to file a case of bribery against the clerk and created a big ruckus, immediately his supervisor intervened and assured me that my ration card will be issued without problem. Indian public forgets one thing : The person demanding bribe has much more to lose if you complain against him. If anyone one asks you bribe in airport or any public place the advantage is yours. Create a scene and see how they panic. If we do not collectively resist it is only us who are to blame.
