The campaign, named “Vigilance Whistle,” was launched jointly by the Vigilance Department and the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to encourage citizens to report corruption and strengthen transparency in public administration. The initiative extends beyond bribery cases to address systemic forms of corruption, including officials deliberately holding files, causing unnecessary delays, and taking decisions to please those in power rather than serve citizens.
Project Zero seeks to transform ordinary citizens from passive observers into active stakeholders by enabling them to directly report corruption. The campaign ensures anonymity for informants through the toll-free number 1064 and the official website www.vigilance.kerala.gov.in.
Following the model of Operation Toofan, which mobilised school students as “Toofan Warriors” against drug abuse, Project Zero focuses on Kerala’s youth by enrolling college students across the state as “Vigilance Commandos.” The young volunteers will be trained to create awareness and sustain civic pressure against corruption within their communities.
The programme also includes vigilance workshops for officers and an updated Vigilance Manual aimed at keeping enforcement procedures current.
The launch event was held at Loyola School Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram, where Minister Ramesh Chennithala inaugurated the campaign along with popular film actor Nivin Pauly. The actor became the first Vigilance Commando and administered the anti-corruption pledge to students from schools and colleges across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chennithala said, “Corruption is not only about accepting a bribe. When a citizen's file is delayed without reason, when an official's ego must be satisfied before a rightful service is delivered, that too is corruption — and it will not be tolerated. No matter who is involved, even if it is me, people must have the courage to speak up. Project Zero is a people's movement to bring corruption down to zero, and to build a Kerala where honesty is rewarded, not punished.”
The Minister further stated that officials found to have taken bribes to clear files, including cases that have already been closed, will have those files reopened for review. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty. He also announced that honest and upright officials will be identified and rewarded, while recruitment into Vigilance will prioritise officers screened for integrity and genuine commitment to public service.
Actor Nivin Pauly, while addressing students at the launch, said that a strong governance system can only be built through a citizenry willing to respond and hold those in power accountable. He pointed out that a mindset which celebrates shortcuts over honest effort is itself part of the culture of corruption, and said that the next generation, which questions decisions and demands evidence, has a role in reversing this trend.
The event was chaired by Kazhakootam MLA V. Muraleedharan, with Governor's Secretary Dr. K. Vasuki IAS attending as chief guest. VACB Director and DGP Manoj Abraham IPS delivered the keynote address, with senior police officials and heads of Loyola institutions present at the programme.
Students from schools and colleges across Kerala received badges from the Minister, formally inducting them as Vigilance Commandos. Project Zero follows the interstate momentum created by Operation Toofan and marks Chennithala’s expansion from anti-narcotics enforcement to a broader youth-driven campaign focused on institutional integrity, transparency, citizen participation, and zero tolerance for corruption at every level.
For more information or to join the initiative, visit vigilance.kerala.gov.in. Corruption can be reported through the toll-free number 1064, with informant identity kept strictly confidential.
About The Author
Comment List