Seeking public participation in curbing corruption, the Delhi Government on Wednesday launched a helpline number to deal with complaints of corruption.
The anti-corruption helpline number (011-27357169) would function from 8 am to 10 pm. The helpline number would guide people on conducting a sting operation of corrupt officials and also how to proceed against them.
While launching the helpline number, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the Government has fulfilled its promise made at the Ramlila Maidan during the swearing-in ceremony and every Delhi citizen is an anti-corruption crusader. The Chief Minister also sought to scotch the speculation that the Government is sitting on the corruption cases. He announced that the Government is working on a modality and action will be taken against big ticket corruption soon.
“People should understand that it is not a complaint number but a helpline number where people will be advised and explained by an anti-corruption department official on how to conduct a sting operation. After doing the sting, he should get back to the same advisor following which a trap will be laid to nab the accused,” he said, while assuring that action will be taken within 24 hours of the sting operation.
Kejriwal has appealed the people to come forward to end corruption in the national Capital. He said the helpline makes every Delhi citizen an anti-corruption crusader. “The idea is to instill fear among bribe seekers,” Kejriwal said. “Now an officer demanding bribe won’t know if you are recording him on your mobile phone or not.”
A team of State Vigilance department will look into these matters while teams of Delhi Police will be on standby for any assistance. The Vigilance department has deployed a sufficient number of employees for this task, the Chief Minister said.
The Government will give advertisements in newspapers and FM Radio while hoardings will also be put up on the streets of the city to inform the people about the number, said Kejriwal.
“The purpose of launching this helpline is to create fear in the mind of every corrupt individual. Such people should fear that they might be under surveillance,” Kejriwal said, adding that the Government will try to get a simpler four-digit number in the next few days. The Chief Minister said that the Government will try to protect complainants as far as available system.