Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to launch anti-corruption helpline, says complaints will be received on his personal number

Chandigarh, March 17: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday exhorted the top brass of state civil and police administration to discharge their duties as public servants in letter and spirit, thus respecting the massive mandate got by the AAP in the recently concluded Punjab Assembly elections. Addressing a maiden meeting after assuming charge as the Punjab Chief Minister here at CMO Thursday afternoon, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said people who had given them an opportunity to serve the state were the real rulers in the democracy having the power to make the leaders to rule or show them the door. Taking a cue from the performance of Indian cricket team, Bhagwant Mann said, ''Matches are won or lost, but it is the team spirit which matters.'' Also read | SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal gives up his pension as ex-MLA Ensuring a corruption-free government, Mann announced that his government would launch a WhatsApp number on coming March 23 on the martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh exclusively for public to upload videos of corrupt officials demanding bribe for their day-to-day works or indulging in other malpractices so that such erring officials could be given an exemplary punishment. Taking to Twitter, Mann said, "On the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh ji, we will launch the anti-corruption helpline number. That will be my personal WhatsApp number. If anyone asks you for a bribe, send it to me by recording a video/audio of it. A strict action will be taken against the corrupt. Corruption will no longer work in Punjab." The Chief Minister said his government would not indulge in political vendetta and asked the entire state administration to discharge their duties fearlessly without any political pressure, unlike earlier regimes, with utmost dedication, sincerity and honesty to cherish the aspirations of Punjabis who had voted the AAP to power with unprecedented verdict. Mann further said, "I don't keep red diary like the earlier political parties and have only green one so you need not worry about any vendetta." Appreciating the enormous capabilities and capacities of both civil and police officers, Mann said, "I expect you to respect the common man and in turn we would too give you respect and due recognition in exhibiting the real spirit of being a public servant." Without mincing any word, he said, "Corrupt officers have no place in my government and if any such complaint comes to my notice, then don't expect any sort of sympathy for such officers." Also Read | News of Lawrence Bishnoi group claiming responsibility for Sandeep Nangal’s death is FAKE Breaking the tradition, the Chief Minister also announced to reward both civil and police officers with 'Best Performance Award' quarterly for making the difference in the lives of common man at the grassroots level, besides ensuring free and fair justice to one and all to boost their morale. He hoped this initiative would surely motivate the other officers to perform far better and efficaciously. The Chief Minister also directed the DGP to send a congratulatory message addressing to the family members of all police employees on the birthday with a sense of belongingness. Reiterating his commitment to make Punjab as a model state, Mann said the foremost concern of his government would be to create abundant job opportunities for the youth to check the unfortunate trend of brain drain from our state to foreign shores. He said, "This scenario has even forced the poor and hapless parents to sell of their properties for sending their wards abroad for better prospects to earn livelihood." He promised his government would soon come up with a comprehensive action plan to generate tremendous job potential for the unemployed youth on top priority. Earlier, in his introductory address, Punjab Chief Secretary Anirudh Tewari welcomed the Chief Minister and assured that both civil and police administration would work in tandem with complete synergy to implement the pro-people policies and programmes at the ground level in the right earnest as per the government's directive. -PTC News