CHENNAI: Now you can report a TN govt employee demanding bribe by sending a WhatsApp message to 9498180936.This is among the latest measures put forward by the govt to fight corruption. Chief secretary M Sai Kumar on Tuesday sent a circular instructing all govt department heads and collectors to ensure anti-bribery notice boards are displayed prominently in all govt offices and public places across the state. The WhatsApp number will be posted on all official websites along with a link to the Directorate of Vigilance and AntiCorruption (DVAC) portal.Earlier, govts had issued orders and letters asking departments to display anti-bribery notice boards, but many did not comply. “It came to this govt’s notice that these notice boards were not prominently displayed at many offices,” said an official. The latest circular asked department heads to “scrupulously” display the message, ‘Taking and giving bribe are offences’, at all offices.The note included a model board carrying the ‘anti-bribe slogan‘, and the process of filing DVAC complaint, in Tamil and English.Report to DVAC via mail or phonePeople can report demand for bribe to DVAC by email to dvac@nic.in or call 044-22321090, 22321085, 22310989 and 22342142. Physical complaints can be delivered or sent by post to DVAC, No. 293, MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai 600016.Official: CM distressed about reports of corruptionA senior official told TOI, “The chief minister was distressed about reports that some officials have not mended their old ways. So, this is the first step. Bad apples will have to go.”Inspection wings and inspection cells at district collectorates have been told to inspect govt offices to verify whether the instructions are being implemented. Departments should send compliance reports to the human resources management department after ensuring implementation across offices, boards, corporations, local bodies and public sector undertakings under their control.In the last assembly session, chief minister C Joseph Vijay reiterated that his administration would neither allow misuse of public money nor spare those who misused it in the past. Vijay also declared on the floor of the House that he would not touch even a “single paisa” of public funds and that action would follow against those involved in corruption.
