This Article is From Apr 15, 2012

Vigilance Commission's new anti-graft measures: SMS, email alerts

New Delhi: In order to ensure greater transparency and fast handling of corruption complaints, the Central Vigilance Commission is considering sending SMS alerts and emails to inform complainants about its status. The Commission has asked Chief Vigilance Officers of all government departments to use a state-of-the-art online application specifically developed for the purpose while dealing with people's grievances.

"The Commission is working on the system. Initially we have asked our CVOs to use it and later we will be sending alerts to complainants," a CVC official said.

He said that the probity watchdog is working towards leveraging information technology for not only simplification of processes but also enhancing interaction with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. The online system handles complaint from all sources in electronic form and ensures expeditious disposal.

The official, however, said that complaints of grave corruption in which the Commission seeks details of action taken report by the CVOs will not be dealt with the system initially.

"We will be starting up with complaints in which 'necessary action' is required. The future course of action will depend upon its outcome," the official said.

The CVOs, who are appointed in every department to assist in vigilance-related matters, are also being provided separate log in details.

At present, the Commission has an anti-corruption hotline in which an aggrieved person can call on the toll free number 1800-11-0180 and on 011-24651000 to lodge complaints about their problems related to unnecessary lingering of work in any department due to demand for "undue favours" or "gratification" by public servants, the official added.

.