Justice M.N. Venkatachalaiah, Former Chief Justice of India inaugurated the launch of CAC
Good Governance is what every citizen expects. It involves efficient delivery of public services to the full satisfaction of its users. However, the day-to-day experience of citizens is altogether different. One faces undue delays in getting any service that is needed. What is appalling is the bribe demanded at every stage before a file can move from one officer to another. Citizens get disgusted with such rampant corruption. The nexus between the politicians and bureaucrats has further worsened the situation.
The Heads of partner organizations of CAC, (from left to right) Mr. G.Govardhan Chairman, Swabhimana, Ms. Anita Reddy, Managing Trustee AVAS, with Dr. Ravindra, Director PAC, Juctice Venkatachalaiah, Dr. Samuel Paul, Chairman PAC, Mr. Y.G. Muralidharan, CREAT, Mr. Y.V. Ashwathnarayana Consumer Care Society.
There is a feeling of frustration and anger for those who feel helpless against such a social evil prevailing in our society. But there are also civil society groups and individuals who are determined to fight corruption and usher in good governance for all.
Such an attempt has perhaps been made for the first time in the country by civil society groups in Bangalore. In fact, five such groups came together to form a coalition against corruption. They are Public Affairs Centre (PAC), Swabhimana, AVAS, CREAT, & Consumer Care Society. They have formed a platform called the ?Coalition Against Corruption? (CAC) or Brashtachara Virudha Sanghatane to promote good governance by tackling the menace of corruption. CAC will establish one or more Helplines in Bangalore City for aggrieved citizens to seek redress. The Coalition hopes to fight corruption at the city level by putting public pressure on the government and public service agencies and by educating citizens on their rights to access public services without paying speed money/bribes.
Comments, suggestions, and clarification of doubts from the audience
Citizens who have faced demands for bribes/illegal gratification are encouraged to approach these Helplines and register their complaints on a specified format in person or online. The CAC will forward these complaints to the agencies concerned for remedial action. The CAC has contacted nine public service providers like BDA, BMP. BESCOM, BWSSB etc. to appoint Nodal officers in their organizations to investigate these complaints and take suitable action. The pamphlet gives complete details of the process, which will be followed. In case complaints are not addressed within the stipulated time or the agency response is unsatisfactory, members of the Coalition will contact the Agency/Dept. to sort out issues.
Justice M.N. Venkatachalaiah, Former Chief Justice of India in his address to the gathering urged the civil society to play an active role in curbing corruption(L); Ms. Anita Reddy, Managing Trustee, AVAS, addressing the gathering(R)
The CAC has also invited eminent citizens from different walks of life to become ?Friends of CAC?. These Friends, besides lending their support and co-operation to the campaign will also champion the cause of CAC at different fora, and motivate people to fight corruption. They will create awareness about importance of fighting corruption and encourage use of the Helpline/s to resolve complaints.
Justice M.N. Venkatachalaiah, Former Chief Justice of India inaugurated the launch of CAC.
The first Centre is operational at the office of the Public Affairs Centre, # 422, (Ground Floor), 80 Feet Road 6th Block Koramangala, Bangalore 560 095
Helpline Number: 41105161.
Timings are 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
Email id: .
Details of the campaign are put up on their website: .
Author: Cyril Vas- Bangalore