Even though the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been ready to combat corruption in Kodagu, there has been a poor response from the public for anti-graft agency.
After the ACB came into existence in the state, the officials from Mysuru had been conducting the raids in Kodagu as well. Now, there are separate staff for Kodagu and a office has been opened at Madikeri Convent Junction with necessary facilities. But even after two months of the opening of the office, so far, only five complaints have been registered in the Kodagu office. These complaints too lack necessary information to catch hold of the corrupt officials, the ACB officers said. A case which was handled by Mysuru ACB staff in Somwarpet has recently been transferred to Madikeri office.
Posts of a officer of the DySP cadre, two inspectors, one FDA, five constables and a woman constable have been sanctioned for the Madikeri Anti-Corruption Bureau. DySP, inspector and four other staff have been carrying out their duties already. Meetings were held in Virajpet, Somwarpet and Madikeri Tourist Bungalow to recieve complaints from public during this month. Such meetings will be held in hobli and rural levels as well. Awareness will be created among the public in this regard, an official said.
The ACB has the power to investivate corruption in zilla panchayat, taluk panchayat, gram panchayats, Revenue department, Education, Agriculture, Sports and Youth Empowerment, Project Coordination (ITDP), Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Food and Civil Supplies, Horticulture, Mines and Geology, Animal Husbandry, Small Industries, Public Works, Fisheries department, Chescom and other departments. Delay in the clearing the files and demand for bribe can be addressed to the ACB, said the official.