Mann announces anti-graft helpline, says he'll monitor

Chandigarh: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the launch of an anti-corruption helpline - his government's first initiative a day after he took charge - on Thursday, as the new MLAs took the oath of office.

He also assured that his government would not indulge in political vendettas, unlike earlier regimes, and he wouldn't maintain a red diary like earlier political parties, only a green one.

In a video message, Mann said the helpline will be unveiled on the "martyrdom day" of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh on March 23 and will enable the people of Punjab to lodge their complaints regarding corruption on a WhatsApp number that he will monitor.

Claiming that it will be his personal WhatsApp number, Mann said a similar initiative to check corruption by the AAP government in Delhi had worked and would be replicated in Punjab. "It is an unprecedented announcement. Send the video or audio recordings and my office will inquire into it and take action," he added.

Referring to the "forced weekly collections (hafta vasooli)" in earlier regimes, he said no AAP leader will make calls to harass officers for such weekly collections or for transfers and postings. Assuring that he would set the corrupt system right, Mann promised to "make a Punjab of Bhagat Singh's dreams".

Earlier in the day, Mann had tweeted that a big pro-people decision would be taken on Thursday.

He urged the state civil and police administrations to discharge their duties as public servants in letter and spirit.

The new CM announced a quarterly "Best Performance Award" for civil and police officers making a difference in the lives of common people at the grassroots level besides ensuring free and fair justice to one and all.

He also directed the DGP to send congratulatory messages to family members of all police employees on their birthdays. "Matches are won or lost but it is team spirit that matters," Mann said.