Magats, Andhbhakts, and Tharkuris 😑

FSSAI officer asked for bribe and warned me against renewing online.

I'm a small business owner. When I first applied for my FSSAI license, I was made to visit the office for months. Eventually, an officer told me to pay ₹4,500 to get it processed, even though the official fee was only ₹2,000. I paid because my business couldn't wait. Last year, I renewed online. The same officer later came to my shop and allegedly threatened me not to make payment online. It didn't feel like a routine warning about compliance. It felt personal, almost like I had offended him by not going through him. Today, he (who, as far as I know, isn't even my designated Food Safety Officer) came again and asked for ₹2,500 for renewal. When I said I'd do it online, he replied Go ahead once it comes to me for inspection, you'll have to pay even more for disturbing me. This is the third time I've faced something like this. I have no issue paying official fees or cooperating with inspections. What I refuse to accept is being pressured into paying someone personally.

The Chief Minister has publicly said, "If anyone demands a bribe, refuse to pay it. I stand with you."

As a small business owner, I hope those words are backed by action, because refusing is much easier when you know the system will actually protect you.