66% of businesses admit to paying bribes in the past year

New Delhi

A survey has revealed that 66% of businesses across 159 districts in India paid bribes over the last 12 months. The survey, which gathered 18,000 responses, highlights the ongoing issue of corruption, despite increasing efforts to digitalize processes and enhance transparency, according to a report on Sunday. The findings show that 54% of the businesses felt compelled to pay bribes, often describing it as unavoidable. Meanwhile, 46% voluntarily paid to ensure quicker processing of permits, licenses, and compliance-related tasks. Common scenarios include obtaining duplicate licenses, handling property matters, and getting approvals from government departments. Interestingly, only 16% of businesses said they managed to complete their work without paying bribes, while 19% claimed they had no need to engage in such practices. The report underscores how bribery is often considered a necessary shortcut to avoid delays. Key processes like file approvals, payment clearances, and supplier qualifications frequently face roadblocks when dealing with government agencies. Despite efforts to curb corruption through computerization and CCTV monitoring, bribes continue to be exchanged behind closed doors. However, the report notes a small improvement: both the number of instances and the amounts paid in bribes have decreased compared to the previous year. This survey sheds light on the persistent challenge of eliminating bribery in the business ecosystem. Stronger enforcement and transparency measures are needed to build a fair and corruption-free environment for businesses in the country.