New initiative to check corruption in state

Thiruvananthapuram: Empowering local people to check corruption in development works, Kerala government Tuesday brought out a new scheme 'Vigilant Kerala' to ensure that various activities are carried out in a transparent manner.

"The programme will be put into place in local bodies with people's participation as they will be more aware of what is happening at the grassroot level," Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told reporters here.

"It will function at a seven-tier level from local bodies to officials at the Vigilance Department, the objective being to find speedy solution to corruption charges," he said.

The idea is to check corruption under the supervision of the common man by creating awareness and also to ensure that development activities are carried out in a transparent way', he said.

As a pilot project, the first step of the programme has been launched in 44 panchayats in eight districts.

In the second phase, it would be extended to more local bodies and remaining districts, he added.

People can report cases of corruption by registering on the website www.vigilantkerala.in.