Mumbai's builders bat for Anna Hazare

Panned as the biggest perpetrators of corruption, the city’s builder fraternity has voiced its support to Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption.

“We are the biggest victims of corruption and if a person like Anna can root out the malaise from the system, it will hugely benefit the country,” said Paras Gundecha, chairman, Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry, the representative body of developers in the metropolis.

Admitting that builders are party to acts of corruption, Gundecha said the developers have no choice but to pay up to get the work done.

“Otherwise, we have to face endless delays and hurdles for even the most routine work. Nobody likes to willingly give a bribe, but if it becomes a matter of survival, then there is no choice,” said Gundecha, adding that if the funds going to corruption are channelised towards positive growth, it would change the lives of the underprivileged and transform the entire society.

“We are willing to make any contribution to make the country corruption-free,” he said.

It is common knowledge that almost 30% of a real estate project’s cost goes towards bribes and off-the-record payments. Even on an individual level, developers feel that the timing of Hazare’s crusade is right and it’s time the malaise is weeded out.

“Today, every government servant doesn’t move without taking a bribe. And the demands have increased tremendously in the past few years, as if bribe is their right, not a wrong,” said a developer, who requested not to be named.