The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) is gearing up to launch a social monitoring programme to eliminate corruption at the grassroots level with people’s participation.
Named Vigilant Kerala, the programme is aimed at corruption-free administration and ensuring transparency in implementation of projects, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said here on Tuesday.
Addressing the media, he said the programme was designed to prevent corruption through a deterrent approach rather than identifying and punishing the corrupt. The focus would be on resolving the issue through public participation.
A watchdog mechanism would be created to keep a tab on government institutions and activities and citizens would be enlightened about their legitimate right to services.
Following a soft launch last September, the pilot project of Vigilant Kerala was implemented in 46 panchayats, 12 municipalities and two Corporations. The Statewide programme would be launched this year.
Implementing plan
Explaining the implementing mechanism, Mr. Chennithala said Vigilant Kerala would have a monitoring system comprising informers, anti-corruption activists, social workers, Vigilance officials, department heads and senior civil servants at seven different levels from government offices to the VACB headquarters.
Complaints or information about corruption can be posted online and escalated to the next level. Social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube would be utilised extensively for the campaign against corruption.
The Minister said the social monitoring system was expected to result in good governance and quality of life for citizens.
By eliminating corruption at source, it would also lessen the workload of VACB officials, he added.
