In Faridabad, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) is all set to launch an innovative campaign to check corruption. As part of the campaign, it is introducing a cash incentive scheme for whistleblowers who expose corrupt officials in the department.
As per the preamble on its website, Huda is committed to provide every allottee/purchaser of its property efficient prompt and courteous service with dedication, integrity and fairness. However, sources say that the ground reality is very different with allegations of touts calling the shots and getting things done for hefty bribes with the connivance of some officials.
With the change of guard in Huda a few days ago, the situation has begun changing. “I have stopped the entry of touts inside the Huda campus,” says newly appointed Huda administrator Ajit Balaji Joshi.
“I am in the process of introducing a cash incentive scheme for those who want to expose officials who demand money to get their work done. We are also developing a system where the complainants can simply SMS us about the official who demands money,” Joshi said.
“We will get the complaint investigated within the shortest possible time and if it is proved that the complaint is genuine, the complainant will be paid Rs 100 as cash prize and action will be taken against the erring official,” Joshi said. “Under the same system, files will now be maintained so that their movement is tracked and disposed within the shortest possible time,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}“We will get the complaint investigated within the shortest possible time and if it is proved that the complaint is genuine, the complainant will be paid Rs 100 as cash prize and action will be taken against the erring official,” Joshi said. “Under the same system, files will now be maintained so that their movement is tracked and disposed within the shortest possible time,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Officials said the SMS service to update allottes with all information has been started on Friday.
It may be mentioned a large number of people are seen every day in Huda office Sector 12 with different problems. “Even if Anna Hazare personally comes to this office to get (for example) his residential plot transferred in his name, he will never get it done without paying a hefty bribe,” said a former corporator who do not wish to be named.
“After assessing the situation, I decided to personally visit every residential and industrial sector to address the problems people face,” Joshi said, adding, “there is no need for the people to visit the Huda office.”