The much publicised anti-corruption helpline 1031 of the Delhi Government has received over 1,25,065 calls in one month since its re-launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on April 5. In other words, one call is being received every five second by the helpline. However, only seven complaints were found to be actionable and 25 cases were registered and are being investigated. The highest numbers of complaints were against officials of civic bodies, police, transport and Delhi Jal Board. According to officials, out of 1,25,065 calls received, 210 were found to be fit for referral to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB). The helpline was discontinued after 49-day regime of Arvind Kejriwal in 2014.
Interestingly, the Government has not disclosed the number of officials associated with the helpline. At a recent review meeting, it was decided that a committee headed by special secretary will scrutinise complaints before referring them to the ACB.
As per data, executives of the helpline answered 1,10,380 calls in the last one month. Of these, 510 complaints were marked to trained and authorised facilitators. Of these 510 complaints, 210 were found to be fit for referral to the Anti-Corruption Branch. At present, there are 79 calls which are pending scrutiny by ACB while 169 are being followed up. Seven cases have been disposed of and 25 cases were registered. “Also, 6,000 calls were such that the complaints looked credible but the complainant could not provide proof and the cases were put under surveillance,” said officials.
The helpline can be used by the public to lodge complaints in case they are harassed for bribes by Government officials. The official said that the helpline also received many calls which did not pertain to corruption but were related to local grievances. The official said that the Government is trying to ensure that no call made on the helpline goes unanswered.
The anti-graft helpline had led to the arrest of a Delhi Police head constable for allegedly accepting a bribe in the Sonia Vihar area of north-east Delhi and it has become a bone of contention between the Delhi Government and the Delhi Police. The Delhi Government has spent a huge amount of money on advertising the helpline that was major poll plank of the Aam Aadmi Party during the Delhi Assembly elections. Insiders say that re-launch of the helpline was a good initiative, but the way the Government is hiding fact related to helpline put a question mark over it.