Elite urbanites in India blindly follow status-culture of British legacy by paying ‘tips (Bakhshish)’ everywhere which is nothing but a bribed gift for a purpose for being treated well. Interestingly heavy amount of ‘tips’ is received by highly paid employees in five-starred hotels and restaurants. Even credit-card slips have special space to write ‘tip’ amount. The Union Government should seriously consider retiring-eve advice from former President APJ Abdul Kalam on gifts. Dr Kalam rightly analysed that gifts coming with a purpose cause persons lose their personality greatly. The Government should impose a ban on paying or receiving ‘tips’ which many a time induce bribes by getting added facilities/services/goods free-of-cost. It is sure that status-conscious people will also gladly accept ban on ‘tips’ if implemented by government order. Even Mumbai High Court has rightly ordered Bakhshish (Tip) to be taken expense for Income Tax purposes.
‘Tip’ is considered highly objectionable by every citizen in world’s top-ranking countries in honesty-index.
Madhu Agrawal
Delhi