In an attempt to draw the Collector’s attention on growing demand for bribes by local authorities, members of the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) today staged a unique protest here. They attempted to pay the money directly to District Collector T.N. Hariharan.

Protesting with Rs. 500 notes in their hands, they claimed that officials in the north and south taluk offices in the city were collecting bribes from general public for moving important papers. “We can get a family ration card by paying Rs. 10,000 to the officials. We get certificates only after paying the bribes. Even certificates are not issued on time to students and general public,” they alleged.

They urged the district administration to intervene in the matter at the earliest.

Plea to complete taxation

Meanwhile, T. Prakash, a resident of the Kannampalayam has claimed that despite several petitions, officials have not done property tax assessment for his house at Indra Nagar. “I have been running around for more than 10 months and still the work is not done,” Prakash said.

Claiming that the officials were demanding bribe, he came with a poster wrapped around him, that read that he would not pay bribe. He has also petitioned the district administration to look into the issue.