I am a master in India

Chapter 13 Corruption is a system in itself

Mumbai's industrial and commercial administration department is located near the fort area, and its office is an old villa left over from the colonial period.

The buildings in this area are all in Gothic style. After the British left, the Indian government took them over and used them directly.

But that's all it is; walk two blocks further and you'll see the festering slums pressing against the backdrop of modern civilization.

This is happening everywhere in the city; its expansion is completely unplanned.

Rajesh and Anand, who live here, have long been accustomed to the chaos in Mumbai.

"Ron, the Indian government operates very differently from other countries."

"What's the difference?"

"It doesn't matter what caste you are or which state in India you're from. Your experience with them is often one of dealing with 'key players' rather than dealing with important institutions."

As he said this, Rajesh's eyes gleamed with wisdom. This was a truth he had learned over his years as a patrol officer, and it was also a truth understood by his colleagues.

"So the person I'm going to meet today is a 'key figure'?"

"That's right. All the companies in Mumbai were stamped here when they were first established. The person who holds the stamp is the key to the transaction."

Rajesh seemed to be a regular here. Under his leadership, Ron walked straight in without anyone even asking a question.

After passing a corridor and turning right at the end, they stopped in front of an office door.

"I've already greeted Commander Kumar. Once we get in, let's get straight to the point and don't waste time. Of course, the most important thing is what to do. Do you understand?"

Ron nodded. "I've made sufficient preparations. He'll be satisfied."

"OK, let's go in."

After knocking on the door and getting a positive answer, Rajesh took Ron into the office.

"Sir Kumar, this Mr. Sur wants to start a travel information company. I mentioned it to you on the phone."

"I understand, Rajesh, you go first."

Kumar was busy signing documents behind his desk. He didn't look up the whole time, only the pen in his hand made a rustling sound.

Rajesh winked at Ron and quietly retreated.

The room was very quiet. Ron looked around and found that the place was a little too simple.

Apart from the desk under the window, the sofa in front of him was the only other large piece of furniture.

He didn't have to wait too long. Kumar, whose hair and beard were a little gray, put down his pen and picked up the black tea on the table.

“What kind of company did Rajesh just say you were going to start?”

"Travel information company."

"Well, I need to confirm whether the license quota is full."

Hearing this, Ron seemed to get some signal. He strode forward and took out a paper bag from his arms.

"Sir Kumar, checking permits is taking too long. I think we can go a little faster."

After pinching the thickness of the paper package, Kumar's face immediately showed a look of sudden enlightenment.

"Oh, now I remember. The travel agency's license isn't a problem. Yes, that's right."

Nonsense, Ron rolled his eyes in his heart.

As early as last year, India abolished the industry licensing system.

The so-called industry license means that any private individual who wants to do this business must obtain the corresponding approval certificate.

From oil and steel to rickshaw pullers and small vendors, all industries require licenses.

Without a license, it is illegal to operate. Before 91, India had been implementing this economic policy.

But as mentioned before, the economic crisis last year forced the authorities to change and relax economic regulations.

This was the Indian version of a "Gai Kai" incident, and the licensing system has since been officially abolished.

Now Kumar is deliberately pretending to be confused, and his meaning is obvious.

After a package was sent out, the other party's business level was improved.

"Did you bring the company registration form?"

"Of course," Ron said, pulling a document out of his briefcase.

Rajesh had already taken care of the necessary procedures for him. After all, the 500 rupees were not wasted.

Kumar looked up at the registered company name and frowned.

"That's not a good name."

"why?"

"Bombay Tourism Information Company is too official. It's too similar to the Mumbai Tourism Authority."

"Really?" Ron gave him a suggestive look. "No, no, no!" Kumar shook his fat head from side to side.

Well, judging from the amplitude and angle of his head shaking, it seems that this time it really won’t work.

"Then I'll change my name." Ron took out another form from his bag like a magic trick.

Except for the name, the rest of the content is the same as the previous one.

Kumar marveled at his preparedness, “Sul, you are a shrewd man.”

Ron smiled slightly and said, "Nonsense! If I were to make another trip, I'd probably have to pack one more set."

Picking up the watch, Kumar glanced at the company registration name again.

Mumbai travel information company?
Hehe, you didn’t expect that I’m back!
Bombay vs Mumbai.

Both are called Mumbai. The former is the official name of India, which mainly follows the English name.

The latter is the name of the "Bombay" Marathi dialect, mainly used among the people.

It was not until 95 that the city was officially renamed Mumbai.

Now, the former is the official name, and the latter is a wild name.

Ron plans to turn it upside down in a few years.

Staring at the name on the paper, Kumar felt uncomfortable.

But he couldn't deny anything, after all, it was not against the rules.

"I've accepted these documents and will notify you after they're reviewed and approved."

Kumar was a little unsure, so he decided to delay it for a while. After all, India is efficient, and those who understand will understand.

"Sir, my company needs to open urgently. I borrowed a lot of money for it." Ron took out another paper bag.

Kumar touched it with his hand and said, wow, this one is thicker.

He shook his head, thought for a moment, and picked up the seal on the table.

Click, click, click! Before Ron could react, three different stamps were stamped.

"Take it, your company can open now."

Who says India is inefficient?

Ron guaranteed with rupees that these were all rumors!

He didn't know how long it took for an ordinary person to start a company in the Indian government department. His record was twenty minutes.

Of course, the 1 rupees given away played a very important role in this.

When I came out of the office, Rajesh was waiting there.

"Done?"

"very smooth."

"You see, this is what I call a 'key person'."

Ron smiled. He understood another truth today.

In India, corruption is a system in itself.

After treating Rajesh to another meal as a thank you, Ron returned to the apartment.

He was not in a hurry to take any work these two days. In addition to finding "key people" to start a company, the preliminary preparations also take time.

When I opened the door, I saw the fair and tender, adorable Nia, cleaning with her sleeves rolled up.

"Baba, you came back early today."

"Because I want to eat the masala made by Nia."

Ron, in a good mood, reached out and pinched her little nose.

With just this simple action, Nia's face turned as red as rosy spices.

But her emerald eyes moved, half charming and half coquettish.

Master, do you know that such intimate actions are rare between Indian couples?

"By the way, Nia, is anyone looking for me today?"

"Oh! Baba, I almost forgot, there's a foreigner looking for you."

"Foreigner?"

"She seemed to be from France. My English is not good, so I only wrote down her name as Anna. She said she would call again."

Ron was stunned. The only French people he knew were the couple he had met at Victoria Station.