Anti-corruption helplines receive 200 complaints

[sidmis]

CHENNAI: The anti-corruption helplines managed by the Tamil Nadu chapter of Transparency International India (TII-TN) have received over 200 complaints about graft in less than two months of the service going public.

The helplines (64581444 and 42858557) went active on September 1 to help Chennai’s citizens who are unable to get their work done in public offices owing to an outright or suggestive demand for bribe.
A majority of the complaints pertained to public utility services such as electricity, water supply and sewerage, L.M. Menezes, TII convener, said.

According to feedback from the helplines, many complaints pertained to an inordinate delay in receiving pension benefits, sale deeds from the Tamil Nadu Housing Board and clearances from the Pollution Control Board.
In one instance, a government doctor submitted evidence for major fudging of outpatient cards as a cover for large-scale pilferage of drugs from the hospital, helpline managers said.

On an average, they receive 10 complaints about corruption every day.
After verifying the complaints for genuineness, the vigilante body has taken up the grievance with the heads of offices concerned.

“The response of the officials has been encouraging,” Mr. Menezes said.
A few serious cases have been taken up with the Vigilance Commissioner, Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Director of
Vigilance and Anti-corruption. In several cases, complainants have been counselled to use the Right to Information Act to get their work done.

M. Dinesh Varma
The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Anti-corruption helplines receive 200 complaints

[ganpat1956]

This is a good initiative by TII in Tamilnadu. I hope as the momentum of their work pick up speed, the demand for speed-money in govt offices gets reduced