Fighting corruption may well-nigh be an impossible task, but then honest and sincere efforts can sometimes do wonders, make even the seemingly impossible possible. Claiming to work on this premise, the Vigilance Bureau in Punjab has launched a toll free helpline (1800-1800-1000) and enabled lodging of online complaints on its website to reach out to the general public for a partnership in the fight against the malaise.
On the eve of Independence day, Punjab Vigilance Bureau chief, Additional Director General of Police BK Uppal, said as part of a multi-pronged strategy, the bureau besides launching a toll free helpline and online complaint filing facility, was extensively using the electronic media platforms, pasting informatory posters prominently in government offices and organising awareness camps in the state under a zero tolerance approach towards corruption at all levels in the government.
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Assuring full confidentiality of informers and zero tolerance towards misconduct on the part of state Vigilance Bureau’s own officials, Uppal said the stage has been set for seamless information sharing, now it is time for members of the general public and honest public servants to show a will and resolve to fearlessly report corrupt practices and demands for bribe they come across to win the fight against corruption.
Specifically naming Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), revenue and police departments,Uppal also called upon senior field officers of these and other organisations to keep a strict vigil and monitor their grievances redressal mechanisms and take prompt action in case of bribery complaints in public dealing offices.
Providing information about action taken by the bureau in its anti-corruption drive, he said in 44 traps laid in the last three months, the bureau has nabbed 52 public servants red handed.
 and enabled lodging of online complaints on its website to reach out to the general public for a partnership in the fight against the malaise.){kind=link}