Kerala Home Minister urges young people to report corruption through Project Zero

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has urged people to report corruption without fear, saying government services are citizens’ rights and should not require bribes. He was speaking on Monday after inaugurating the Kozhikode range-level launch of Project Zero at the JDT Islam campus in Vellimadukunnu. The programme is a Vigilance Commando initiative intended to involve young people in the fight against corruption.

Chennithala said eliminating corruption was the government’s objective and described Project Zero as a step towards a transparent Kerala. He said the government would follow a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. During the event, the Minister distributed campaign badges, released a video linked to the programme and administered an anti-corruption pledge.

K. Jayanth, MLA, presided, while District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty delivered the keynote address.

Poet and writer Soman Kadaloor and actor Neeraj Madhav were chief guests. Officials present included Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau director Manoj Abraham, Kozhikode City District Police Chief A.P. Shoukathali and Superintendents of Police C.M.

Devadas and Balakrishnan Nair. The programme included performances carrying anti-corruption messages, including a dance production titled Nerinte Chuvadukal and a play titled Jeevithathin Vilang Theerthavar. Vigilance officials said Project Zero would include revision of the Vigilance Manual, training workshops for internal vigilance officers, deployment of Vigilance Commandos and awareness programmes focused on transparency and integrity.

They said members of the public could report corruption through the toll-free number 1064. Young people interested in joining the programme would be able to register as Vigilance Commandos through the Vigilance Department’s website. The source material does not specify the number of participants expected or the timetable for the programme’s activities.