01 September,2011 06:55 AM IST | | Vatsala Shrangi
Say around 30,000 traders of old Delhi's Sadar Bazar. Claim they have to produce the amount every year during renewal of licences and renovation of shops
Many had wondered if the Anna movement would be able to make any dent into the corruption that people face in everyday life. The answers have started coming in. Tired of decades of paying bribe to civic agency officials, the Federation of Sadar Bazar Trades Association (FESTA) has found a voice after the anti-corruption agitation. Traders have decided to step up after staying silent for years.
People's problem:u00a0Scene at Sadar Bazar
In a recent meeting held by FESTA members, it was unanimously proposed that from now on, they will stand against the evil of corruption. According to them, there has been no development in the wholesale market area for years and they have been victims of bribery which they pay to various government departments at every level.
Traders' association chairman Manohar Lal Kumar shared details of the
all-pervading corruption with MiD DAY.u00a0
Moved
"The Anna movement has given us a new lease to save ourselves from paying under the table to MCD officials as well as other government departments. Prior to this, we took it as a part of the system and did not rebel against them. But now, we have a voice and so we have decided to stand up for our rights," said Pawan Kumar, president, FESTA.
The association has come up with its decision to protest against MCD. Members will gherao the civic centre (MCD office) and raise anti-corruption slogans. Beginning next Wednesday, they will continue till some change comes into effect.
Geared up
"We will wear Anna caps and carry the tricolour with us from Sadar Paharganj zone to the civic centre," said Kumar. According to members, every year traders have to get their shop licenses renewed, a process that can never go through without paying a hefty amount as bribe to officials, besides the normal fee.
Paramjeet Singh Pamma, vice-chairman, FESTA, said: "For new or renewal of licenses, shopkeepers have to pay an amount ranging from Rs 5000 to 20,000 depending on the size and location of the shop. Most of the builders get permission for unauthorised construction by greasing palms, for which we have to bear the brunt as these buildings can crumble at any moment."
However, when questioned about the irregularities in terms of unauthorised constructions and illegal electricity connections to the shops etc that require the paying of bribes, Kumar said: "Before this movement, every one paid some amount to get away with the irregularities. But, now, as taxpayers, we are ready to face the consequences, but would not like to pay a bribe of any kind to any official."
Hammer and tongs
Even at present, Kumar added, there are at least four to five buildings in construction at different locations like 12 Tooti Chowk, Sadar Bazar, in Gandhi market near Mitra and Gyaan Ashram and at Pul Mithai. Some of these buildings are being constructed above shops, which are as old as 100 years and therefore, can keel over any day.
"There has been no sign of development in the entire market in the past years. In lanes as narrow as four feet, there are about 200 shops on which more floors are being created turning a blind eye to safety norms, which can result in tragedy. From shop licences to repair work, traders have to pay bribes to MCD and other departments. The total figure which is paid by the whole market every year comes to around Rs 100 crore and may be more. This is complete darkness," said Manohar Lal Kumar, chairman, FESTA.
Do the math
>>u00a0There are about 30,000 shops in Sadar Bazar.
>> For renewal of/new license, around Rs 5,000 to 20,000 as bribe, on an average is paid by traders. If we assume that each trader on an average pays only Rs 10,000, the total figure would come to around Rs 30 crore a year.u00a0
>> For repair/renovation, traders pay around Rs 50,000 to 2 lakh as bribe. On a modest estimate if only 500 shops pay Rs 1 lakh each to carry out the repair work , the total figure would be Rs 5 crore annually.u00a0
>> Hundreds of shop owners in the area are now razing their outlets and new shops are coming up. This is a process that is quite regular as the construction is of poor quality and many outlets are in dilapidated condition. If we assume that only three thousand shops were razed and to carry out work only Rs 25 lakh was paid as bribe to civic agency officials for clearing and construction, the figure comes to around Rs 75 crore.u00a0
>> The traders' body leaders also admit that the annual figure would be around Rs 100 crore or more. (Figures provided by traders)
The Other Side
u00a0"I am very happy that the traders association has come forward and taken this step. They should not in any case, pay a bribe to any official. It is their money. I am in full support of the movement initiated by them."
- Rajni Abbi, Mayor
