Chandigarh:Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday launched an anti-corruption helpline number that will allow people to upload videos of officials asking for a bribe or indulging in other malpractices. He announced this initiative at a state-level convention which he had organized to pay homage to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on the occasion of their martyrdom day at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur.
"Today, on the occasion of Shaheed Day, we are launching an anti-corruption helpline. If someone asks you for a bribe, send me an audio or video recording on 9501200200. Strict action will be taken against him. Corruption free Punjab will be a true tribute to our brave martyrs," Mann tweeted as he sought support of three crore Punjabis in order to root out corruption within a month. The helpline number will help people circulate videos of corrupt officials who seek bribes or others involved in corruption. Also, the culprits who are caught will be given exemplary punishment.
"I had promised to you that I will launch a phone number on March 23 which will be called as an anti-corruption action line," said Mann in a video message. Mann said the staff will inquire into it and whosoever is found guilty, be it an officer, our minister or an MLA, strict action will be taken against them. He urged people to share only corruption-related videos on this number. "Our government will take the message of martyrs to each and every house so that the dreams of martyrs could be realised," he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mann paid glowing tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur and at Khatkar Kalan in SBS Nagar district. In his tweet, Mann said, "Let's make Punjab a corruption free and prosperous Punjab by realising the dreams of the great martyrs who laid down their precious lives for the country's freedom."
The AAP leader who was sworn-in as chief minister on March 16 at Khatkar Kalan had earlier announced that his government would launch a WhatsApp number on the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. At that time, Mann had said it would be his "personal WhatsApp number". The Punjab CM also announced a public holiday across Punjab on the occasion of 'Shaheed Divas' so that people can pay proper homage to the martyrs.
