New Delhi, Jan 9
A day after it was launched, the new anti-corruption helpline number has the people of Delhi hoping that incidents of corruption faced by the common man will come down drastically.
This is the third promise of the Aam Aadmi Party to be fulfilled, after the decision of free supply of over 650 litres of water to each household, and the halving of electricity charges for those using up to 400 units a month.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced Wednesday a helpline to report incidents of bribe. Anyone who is asked to pay a bribe by any official in the capital can seek help on phone number 011-27357169.
Activist Subhash Chandra Agarwal, who has filed more than 6,000 Right to Information (RTI) applications, said even though the success of this "new experiment" is still to be experienced, the very announcement of such a helpline could impact those seeking to enrich themselves by corrupt means.
"It would certainly create some fear psychology in corrupt officials, just like the RTI. After RTI, officials and ministers are afraid of incorrect records and files," he said.
Agarwal, however, added that a phone number easier to remember should be launched soon, and a registration number should be given to complainants.
Kejriwal has already said that a four-digit number that could be committed to memory easier would be released in about five days.
I.S. Bakshi, principal of Delhi's Dyal Singh College, said the helpline could be a "deterrent" to corruption, but for the practice to cease, people's mentality must change.
"This helpline will definitely prove to be a deterrent, but for it to function well, mindsets of the people need to change. People should do their work without seeking favours. There is an illness in society that needs to be curbed, and I believe this is the first step," Bakshi told IANS.
The anti-corruption sentiment has been running high in the national capital since Gandhian activist Anna Hazare launched his movement for passing the anti-graft Lokpal bill in 2011.
Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party's victory has been credited to this anti-corruption sentiment.
Many people in Delhi, young and old and working in a range of professions, expressed happiness and hope at the launch of the helpline.
by:IANS