DVAC Receives Over 500 Complaints on First Day of Anti-Bribery WhatsApp Helpline

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) received an overwhelming response on the first day of its newly launched anti-bribery WhatsApp helpline, with the control room handling more than 500 calls.

The helpline was introduced by the Tamil Nadu government to enable the public to report corruption and demands for bribes by government officials.

Due to the large volume of calls, DVAC officials revised the complaint process and began requesting people to submit complaints through WhatsApp text messages or voice notes, instead of lengthy phone conversations. Officials said every complaint would be scrutinised and acted upon based on its nature and priority.

The strong public response came after the government directed all departments and government offices to display anti-corruption awareness boards carrying the message "Bribe giving and receiving is an offence", along with DVAC`s contact details.

Government offices have also been instructed to display the anti-corruption message in both Tamil and English, while official department websites will carry links to the DVAC portal to make it easier for citizens to submit complaints.

The anti-corruption initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu government`s broader efforts to strengthen vigilance, improve transparency and encourage public participation in reporting corruption.