Know before you go.
What people report paying, how often refusing works, and what you are entitled to. Read this before the visit, not after.
| Department | Typical ask | Refusal works |
|---|---|---|
| Police | ₹9,400 | 44% |
| RTO | ₹9,100 | 40% |
| Revenue / Land Records | ₹8,950 | 100% |
| Passport Office | ₹15,750 | - |
| Municipal Corporation | ₹4,450 | - |
| Income Tax | ₹13,650 | - |
| Food & Drug Administration | ₹14,950 | 100% |
| Electricity Board | ₹6,350 | - |
| GST Office | ₹9,300 | - |
- Goa100%
- Gujarat100%
- Maharashtra60%
- Delhi50%
- Andhra Pradesh50%
- Uttar Pradesh33%
- Telangana33%
- Karnataka25%
Overall, 46% of people who refused still got the service.
Your rights
Every department publishes a Citizen's Charter with service timelines. Ask for it. Under the Right to Public Services Acts in most states, delays beyond the timeline are appealable and officers can be fined.
How to refuse
Say you'll wait for the official process. Ask for objections in writing with a name and designation. Keep the acknowledgement slip. Most demands evaporate when a paper trail appears.
Where to complain
State Anti-Corruption Bureau / Lokayukta, the Central Vigilance Commission (cvc.gov.in) for central departments, or the 1064 anti-corruption helpline where it operates. Demanding a bribe is an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Went already? Whatever happened, it counts.
Report a bribe