Tamil Nadu has announced a dedicated WhatsApp number to help the public report instances of bribery involving government officials. The information has been issued through an urgent circular and officials have been instructed to publicise the complaint channels widely.
In the circular sent to all government departments, Chief Secretary Sai Kumar said complaints about government staff demanding bribes can be sent to WhatsApp number 94981 80936. Departments, local bodies and public sector undertakings have been asked to publish the relevant phone details on their websites.
The circular also directs that complaint locations and phone numbers must be displayed prominently in all government offices. Details of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), including phone number and address, must be shown in both Tamil and English.
As per the instructions, notice boards should carry the message that giving and taking bribes is an offence, and list DVAC’s address: Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, No. 293, MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai 600 016. The public can also email complaints to [email protected] or call 044-22321090, 22321085, 22310989, 22342142.
District Collectors and departmental secretaries have been asked to ensure compliance, while surveillance wing officials in each district will inspect and confirm that the directions are implemented.
