In a bid to provide a corruption-free civic administration, it is understood that the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has launched an initiative to curb bribes. Under this “Do Not Pay Bribe” initiative, any citizen who has a complaint of being asked for a bribe by any MMC employee can intimate the same to the Chief Officer by writing a letter or by a WhatsApp message to his official mobile number. These complaints will reportedly be investigated through an internal enquiry and any action deemed necessary will be taken. It is also understood that the confidentiality of the complainant’s identity will be maintained. This is a step in the right direction as it will go a long way in reducing corruption in public offices. Such an initiative needs to be introduced in other civic bodies and panchayats in the state. However it must be said that the one who offers a bribe is equally at fault as the one who receives it. There may be instances that the bribe is offered to get the work done in quick time without any demand being made for the same. It is for the general public to take the initiative to put an end to corruption in public offices.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
