When it comes to making emergency services available and information on the status of the complaints filed with the Lokayukta, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde means business. Therefore, 080 - 2237 5014 is not just another helpline.
The Bangalore-based 24/7 helpline was launched by Governor Rameshwar Thakur at the Lokayukta office on Tuesday. From the time of its launch, at 12 noon to 5 pm, the helpline had received five complaints from various people across the City against the BBMP regarding garbage disposal.
The genesis of the helpline is rooted in the number of calls that Justice Hegde receives from across the State every day; on hospitals refusing admission to emergency and accident cases; police stations refusing to file FIRs by aggrieved parties; status of the complaints filed by people with the Lokayukta against corrupt government officials and his jurisdiction.
20 calls per day
On an average the Lokayukta receives around 20 calls per day on his mobile phone. Justice Hegde said that helpline’s objective was to reach out to more people, who do not have access to hospitals, police stations and government offices.
“Under the present system there is lack of response. I want to give confidence to the people that they can access the Lokayukta anytime on any issue. The Upalokayukta and I have been touring the districts and meeting people, we have also told the superintendents of police, Lokayukta, to tour the talukas and address the grievances of the people. The helpline is an extension of our efforts,” he said.
Toll-free number soon
At present 2237 5014 is not a toll-free number. “Within a fortnight’s time we will have it toll free,” said Justice Hegde. The helpline has two phones; to receive the complaints and forward it to the concerned authorities. Six police officials of the rank of head constables have been trained to handle the helpline in shifts.
The Governor also launched the website, which is linked to the official website of the Karnataka Lokayukta. People can lodge complaints on issues of corruption on the website.
The Governor lauded the efforts of the Lokayukta in keeping citizens as the centre of focus of governance.
DELIVERY CALL
Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde’s mobile phone hasn’t stopped ringing ever since it was published in the newspapers a couple of months ago. People call him for various problems.
One such call, at 2 am, from Haliyal by a pregnant woman in the throes of labour pain made all the difference.
“She told me that a hospital was refusing to admit her. I informed the Upalokayukta, who immediately called the district SP, Lokayukta and asked him to help the complainant. The lady was finally admitted in the district hospital and she had a safe delivery,” said the Lokayukta. “After receiving the call I decided to launch the 24/7 helpline,” he added.
