Chennai [India]: The Tamil Nadu government has launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to enable citizens to report government employees who demand bribes, as part of its anti-corruption drive.
The newly introduced WhatsApp number — 94981 80936 — allows members of the public to submit complaints directly against officials allegedly seeking bribes while providing government services.
Chief Secretary Sai Kumar has issued a circular directing all heads of government departments and district collectors to prominently display anti-bribery notice boards carrying the helpline number in government offices and public places across the state.
READ: Explained: If E20 fuel damages your vehicle, who pays?
The initiative is part of the TVK government's broader campaign against corruption. Since assuming office, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has repeatedly emphasized transparency and clean governance, alongside initiatives focused on women's safety, employment generation and anti-drug enforcement.
Speaking at a recent public event in Karur, Vijay urged citizens to report any instance of bribery, assuring them that complaints would be acted upon. The move also fulfills one of the key promises made by the TVK during the 2026 Assembly election campaign.
According to officials, complaints received through the WhatsApp helpline will be forwarded to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for investigation. If a complaint is found to be genuine, appropriate action will be initiated against the accused officials.
READ: Explainer: Why Indian govt sent notice to meta over Insta ads
While the government has projected the WhatsApp helpline as a citizen-friendly mechanism to strengthen the fight against corruption, opposition parties have questioned its effectiveness. They argue that similar complaint channels, including email IDs and other platforms, already exist and that the real test will be how promptly and transparently complaints are investigated and resolved.
The Tamil Nadu government, however, maintains that the dedicated WhatsApp platform will make it easier for citizens to report corruption and help improve accountability within government departments.
READ: Why INS Mahendragiri is India's most powerful indigenous stealth warship yet
Follow NewsEdition.in on X (Twitter), LinkedIn for more stories on Politics, World, Business and more.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment!