Chennai (HRNW) – The government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu has launched a new anti‑bribery campaign to increase public participation in combating corruption within government departments. Under the scheme, individuals who provide reliable audio or video evidence showing public servants demanding or accepting bribes may receive a reward of up to one lakh (₹100,000) rupees.
The government has appealed to citizens that if any public official demands a bribe, complaints accompanied by evidence should be submitted to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption (DVAC). A DVAC WhatsApp helpline has been introduced for this purpose, and instructions have been issued to prominently display messages in government offices stating that “giving and taking bribes is an offence.”
Reports indicate that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay (Vijay Thalapathy) has adopted a stance of transparent governance and a strict approach against corruption since assuming office, and he recently warned cabinet members that anyone found involved in corruption will be immediately removed from their post.
However, the claim that “the penalty for taking bribes has been increased to 12 years” could not be independently verified. Available credible reports confirm the reward scheme and the complaint mechanism, but there is no clear official announcement or reliable verification that the punishment has been raised to 12 years.
Human rights angle
HRNW emphasizes that transparent governance, elimination of corruption, protection of public resources, and effective accountability are essential for safeguarding citizens’ social and economic rights. Alongside robust anti‑corruption measures, it is also necessary that every complaint be investigated impartially, transparently, and according to legal procedures, and that every person facing allegations is afforded a fair hearing, legal defence, and the presumption of innocence.
🤝 Support the world’s No. 1 human rights news agency HRNW
👉 https://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
⚠️ Important Note
This report is based on available credible media coverage concerning the Tamil Nadu government. The reward scheme for audio/video evidence and the DVAC complaint system have been corroborated, but the claim about increasing the penalty for taking bribes to 12 years has not been independently verified. HRNW’s aim is to promote human rights, transparent governance, rule of law, accountability, and responsible journalism. This story is not linked to previously published HRNW (hrnww.com) content.
