Anti-corruption helpline to get Kejriwal push

After staying away from decision making for over 10 days, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will join back office on Tuesday. Kejriwal, who is at a naturopathy centre in Bengaluru, will return to Delhi on Monday evening.

After staying away from decision making for over 10 days, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will join back office on Tuesday. Kejriwal, who is at a naturopathy centre in Bengaluru, will return to Delhi on Monday evening.

Sources, however, said that the chief minister is likely to stay away from controversy surrounding the Aap Aadmi Party (AAP).

Government sources said reviewing the anti-corruption helpline and power situation will be top on his priority list.

The Delhi government has decided to revive the anti-corruption helpline it launched during its previous 49-day term.

“Kejriwal had discussed a plan to revive the helpline at the last cabinet meeting. The staff is undergoing training and we will move towards launching the helpline after the review. This was not discussed during the last cabinet meeting held on Friday in Kejriwal’s absence, but will be on top priority once he returns to office,” said a Delhi government official.

During the AAP’s first stint in Delhi, the government had launched an eight digit anti-corruption helpline that was later changed to four digits - 1031. The helpline was flooded with calls, of which only 25% could be attended. As a result, the government had to increase the number of operators from 10 to 30 and the number of lines from 30 to 60.

“We do not want the same situation again and are training the officers for the same. The training will last 10-15 days after which the helpline will be launched. People victimised by bribe demands can record the act and send it across. The government will take subsequent action,” said the official.

A team of operators trained by call centre executives along with a team trained by detectives and sting experts will work together for the helpline, according to government sources.