Anna effect: Goa ministers asked to observe 'bribe free day'

Tired of the many scandals tumbling out of the Goa cabinet's closet and inspired by Hazare's crusade against corruption, the Village Groups of Goa (VGG), an umbrella group of several vigilante civil society organisations, said the "moral spin offs" of the civil society leader's fight had reached the state.

"If they cannot be non corrupt forever, we have asked every cabinet minister in Goa to at least observe one bribe free day to show their support for Anna Hazare," John Pereira, VGG convenor, said.

"We are telling every minister not to accept bribes or discuss any deals which involve kickbacks," Pereira said, adding that the VGG members would visit the homes of Goa's ministers and silently and peacefully hold placards "thanking them for not accepting bribe on the day".

Goa in the last few years has been rocked by repeated scams, involving corruption in a wide range of sectors such as mining, narcotics, fake currency, excise and midday meals.