TN CM pitches for delivering corruption-free govt, warns ministers against graft

Chennai, Jul 16 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday pitched for delivering a corruption-free governance, stressing upon administrative integrity. Chairing a Cabinet meeting, the second since he took up the reins as chief minister in May, Vijay warned his Cabinet colleagues against any corrupt practices and said the tainted ministers will be stripped of their posts, sources said. He reiterated that the TVK government will maintain absolute zero-tolerance against graft. Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar quoting the chief minister's stand against corruption, told reporters that the government has issued a strict warning against corruption - no percentage cuts - and encouraged citizens to report bribery through toll-free numbers and official email channels. Although the Cabinet primarily focusses on policy making, legislative proposals and state administration, addressing the issue of corruption fell within its purview, the source said. The meet could also be used to issue strict behavioral guidelines and ethical standards or directly warn the ministers. The chief minister's warning comes in the backdrop of the government rolling out a dedicated citizen anti-bribery Whatsapp helpline 9898180936. Addressing a meeting in Karur on July 10, Vijay urged the public to fight against corruption by refusing to bribe officials. "If someone asks you for a bribe, refuse them. I will be with you. Tell them our son, brother, our Vijay is the one ruling the state. Tell them emphatically," the CM had said. Briefing reporters about the Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat, Kumar said, "This government does not have a concept of 'percentage' (bribes) anywhere. If someone violates this and commits a mistake, and if it is brought to the government's notice, the government will take action". During the Cabinet meet, the chief minister discussed several issues, including welfare measures, announcements to be included in the upcoming Budget, new industrial projects, department plans or proposals, and a roadmap for implementing the poll promises outlined in the TVK's vision document. In sync with the government's policy, TVK functionary and Mambakkam panchayat president Veerasamy was removed from party’s primary membership and stripped of all party posts, after a video allegedly showing him accepting money to facilitate the clearance of roadwork bills worth Rs 9.8 lakh went viral. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s action against its Chengalpet east district joint secretary came on a day the state government intensified its drive against corruption in government offices and and announced the Whatsapp helpline. In a letter dated July 14, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar instructed the secretaries of all departments and district collectors as well to prominently display the contact details for lodging corruption-related complaints in all government offices. Meanwhile, six officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation, including a zonal health officer were suspended on graft charges, tender irregularities and financial misconduct, and four other officials are being questioned over unaccounted cash. The action followed inputs received from contractors, DVAC, and whistleblowers. Sources said the GCC Commissioner Sameeran’s action on the erring officials was in line with the chief minister’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption. PTI JSP SA JSP KH