I recently spoke to a contemporary in India. She was very disheartened about the endemic corruption in Chennai, where she lives. She complained that at every level of government nothing could be achieved without greasing palms. Everyone, from secretaries to managers, accepted bribes with impunity to do the jobs they were expected to do.
I had to concur because of my own recent experience in a large city in India. I needed a death certificate for a parent. A relative accompanied me to the place. I filled out numerous official forms, as required, turned them in and asked the clerk when I would be able to pick up the certificate. The clerk looked at me stone faced and the relative signaled for me to step aside. Then he told me that unless I bribed the clerk, I probably would return to the United States without the death certificate.
