CBI explores possibility of 24x7 call centre on graft

NEW DELHI: The possibility of one-stop call centre for reporting corruption in the country is being explored by CBI which will put the idea before anti-graft investigative agencies of states gathering here for an annual conference.

CBI said the 24X7 call centre explored by the agency will have a single number on which corruption complaint from across the country relating to any organisation of centre or state can be reported.

It said while the complaints which will come under its domain will be handled by it, those relating to state governments will be forwarded to the concerned agencies of the respective states.

CBI will, however, keep a track on the status of complaints referred by it to State anti-corruption bureaux or the concerned anti-corruption probe bodies in respective states.

"The first Session of the Conference would discuss the modalities of having a 'National Anti-Corruption Citizen Support Centre' which would be a national level 24X7 Anti Corruption Helpline receiving complaints from social media, e-mail, cell phone or landline phones and providing a language support run by CBI.

"It will provide a one point contact at the national level to citizens," CBI Spokesperson Devpreet Singh said here today.

The agency is organising 22nd Conference of CBI and State ACBx/Vigilance Bureaux/EOWs which will be inaugurated tomorrow by Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel.

"This is the first time that the Heads of Economic Offences Wings of States are participating in the conference. This would bring on board most stakeholders in the fight against corruption and economic offences," she said.

The spokesperson said the Conference aims at sharing of experiences, best practices and discussing various issues relating to investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

The Minister will also present the Police Medals for Meritorious Service to CBI officers.