In Punjab, the state government led by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Bhagwant Mann has come up with an anti-corruption helpline. The government will release this number on 23 March on the death anniversary of freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh. On Thursday (March 17, 2022), Punjab CM announced that people will be able to ‘upload’ video-audio of corrupt officials seeking bribe or involved in other malpractices through this helpline.
Mann said it was his “personal helpline number”. Also, he will ensure corruption free government in the state. The CM clearly said, “Whoever asks you for bribe, make a video of it. We will not spare the corrupt under any circumstances.” The Chief Minister said that this would be a big announcement in the history of Punjab.
In a video message, he reminded people that when AAP came to Delhi, people were asked to provide audio or video of corrupt officials. “This has completely eradicated corruption in Delhi,” he claimed.
According to the Punjab CM, “In the coming times, we will issue such a helpline number, which will be my personal WhatsApp number. If someone asks you for a bribe, don’t deny it. Record a video or audio of it and send it to this number. I guarantee you that our office will investigate this and no corrupt person will be spared. Also, strict action will be taken.”
Addressing senior officers for the first time after taking over as CM, Bhagwant Mann warned – Corrupt officers have no place in my government and if any such complaint comes to my notice, then such officers should not expect sympathy. I don’t keep a red diary like in earlier political regimes and I only have a green diary, so you don’t have to worry about any retaliation.
At the same time, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal welcomed Mann’s announcement. He said that his government has wiped out corruption in the national capital and now Mann and his (Mann’s) ministers will run an honest government in Punjab. The Delhi CM said that he had taken a similar step during his first government of 49 days in Delhi.
Kejriwal claimed, “It has been 75 years since the independence of the country. But we still have to pay bribe. All political parties are involved in corruption. AAP is the first party which is running an honest government. Me and my ministers, Mann and his ministers are not corrupt. We don’t want ‘Hafta’. Just as we have eliminated corruption in Delhi, we will eradicate corruption in Punjab in the same way.