The anti-corruption helpline of the Delhi Government has received 12,731 calls on the very first day of its launch, whereas it had received over 14,000 calls on the first day of its first launch in 2014. The calls received so far are now being vetted to isolate frivolous calls from real ones. In the first seven hours after its launch, the hotline received 3,900 calls. Of these, 53 complaints were of a serious nature. Some of the stings were recorded well and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has started its inquiry into the cases.
The re-launched helpline has started functioning on a 24x7 basis and it would remain open throughout the year. According to officials, once segregated, the calls would be forwarded to the ACB for probe. Some of the calls, which have been segregated, have already been sent to the ACB for further probe. Some of the cases being forwarded to the ACB include complaints against Delhi Police, MCD, Education Department, Transport Department, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Fire Services etc.
The data of calls received and segregated would be made public on a regular basis for the convenience and information of the public. Efforts were being made to ensure that no call made on 1031 helpline remains unanswered. A dedicated helpline for reporting cases of corruption was one of the major promises made by the AAP in its manifesto for the Assembly elections earlier this year.
A group of volunteers has been trained to run the 24x7 helpline and field calls in English and Hindi. They would also direct the callers on how to conduct sting ops. All calls would be divided into two categories — serious and non-serious. One could complain against bribe demands by a Government official or report corruption if they have recorded audio/video evidence against an official. Within 48 hours, a member of the ACB would contact them and collate evidence for further investigation.
During the re-launch of the helpline on Sunday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had stated that the helpline is like a weapon for the public to fight corruption. Kejriwal had also warned corrupt officials to mend their ways or be ready to face prison.