Kerala Initiates 'Project Zero' to Combat Corruption

Kerala on Tuesday launched 'Project Zero', a statewide anti-corruption campaign under which people who upload verified video evidence of bribery involving government employees will be rewarded with Rs 5,000, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said.

Launching the initiative at the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) headquarters here, Chennithala said the government was adopting a 'zero tolerance' policy towards corruption and aimed to build a transparent and accountable administrative system with public participation.

Under the project, the public can upload visuals of government employees demanding bribes through the official vigilance portal.

'If the evidence is verified and found to be genuine, the complainant will be given a reward of Rs 5,000,' he said, adding that the identity of informants would remain confidential.

'Together, let us build a corruption-free Kerala. We want to eradicate corruption at all levels. That is the motto of the government,' the minister said.

He said the initiative was intended to ensure that people receive services from government offices without paying bribes.

'At present, in many offices, even certificates are issued only after paying bribes. That will be strictly curbed,' he said.

The minister warned that strict surveillance would be maintained over corrupt officials and leaders and asserted that nobody involved in corruption would be spared.

Pointing to the rise in cyber crimes and digital corruption, Chennithala said strong measures would be taken to identify such networks and prevent technologically-driven corrupt practices.

He said the objective of the initiative was not merely to act after corruption occurs, but to prevent it at the source itself, with the VACB functioning as a strong deterrent.

The minister also announced that the 1969 Vigilance Manual would be revised in tune with present-day requirements. A draft of the revised manual has already been prepared and would soon be cleared after examination, he added.

Chennithala further said the vigilance mechanism in the state would be strengthened and that more trap cases would be registered as part of intensified anti-corruption efforts.

'If the project gets adequate support from the people, it will become a revolution in the state,' he added.

The launch of 'Project Zero' comes days after the state government announced 'Operation Thoofan – The Narco Hunt', an anti-drug campaign led by Kerala Police.

At the function, the minister unveiled the logo of 'Project Zero' by handing it over to Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham.

Home Department Advisor and former DGP A Hemachandran, IG Thomson Jose and senior vigilance officials also attended the event.

(With inputs from agencies.)