Files go missing when palms aren't greased: Infosys director T V Mohandas Pai
Infosys Director T V Mohandas Pai made candid admission on how the country's top IT firm had to make its way through corrupt officials.
By TNN | Updated:
BANGALORE: No one seems to enjoy immunity from the curse of corruption. On Saturday, director (HR), Infosys Technologies, T V Mohandas Pai made candid admission on how the country's top IT firm had to make its way through corrupt officials, when it came to getting land approval for setting up its offices.
Pai was speaking in the backdrop of the mass movement led by social activist Anna Hazare, which garnered unprecedented support from citizens across the country.
"Corruption in government departments is largely among officials in the lower cadre. These officials are more powerful than IAS officers for the simple reason that it's they who handle and maintain all documents related to your work," Pai said.
He recalled instances where Infosys had problems procuring building plan from a civic agency in north India while establishing the campus there.
"We were asked to pay bribe. We refused. But in all places, wherever Infosys is functioning today, we have been supported by the chief secretaries. In north India too, we got the approval without paying a single rupee bribe. This because we brought the issue to the notice of higher officials. Left with no choice, the clerks finally gave in. Files go missing when palms are not greased."
The campaign against corruption reminded Pai of emergency days when he used to protest as a student.
Pai was speaking in the backdrop of the mass movement led by social activist Anna Hazare, which garnered unprecedented support from citizens across the country.
"Corruption in government departments is largely among officials in the lower cadre. These officials are more powerful than IAS officers for the simple reason that it's they who handle and maintain all documents related to your work," Pai said.
He recalled instances where Infosys had problems procuring building plan from a civic agency in north India while establishing the campus there.
"We were asked to pay bribe. We refused. But in all places, wherever Infosys is functioning today, we have been supported by the chief secretaries. In north India too, we got the approval without paying a single rupee bribe. This because we brought the issue to the notice of higher officials. Left with no choice, the clerks finally gave in. Files go missing when palms are not greased."
The campaign against corruption reminded Pai of emergency days when he used to protest as a student.
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