The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a special public awareness initiative, ‘Bribe-Free Navi Mumbai – Our City, Our Responsibility’, to encourage citizens to take a stand against corruption in government offices. As part of the campaign, the ACB has activated its toll-free helpline 1064 to help people report demands for illegal payments by public servants.
The campaign, launched on Thursday, August 6, aims to create awareness among citizens about their rights and encourage them to report any government employee seeking money beyond officially prescribed fees for providing public services.
Through the initiative, the ACB is focusing on reducing bribery in government departments, improving transparency, and making public services more accessible. Citizens have been advised not to pay bribes and instead immediately inform the bureau if any official demands illegal gratification for completing routine government work.
The Navi Mumbai ACB has assured that the identity of complainants and details shared during investigations will be kept confidential. Officials said this measure is intended to give citizens the confidence to come forward without fear of harassment or retaliation.
“Corruption can be controlled only through active participation from citizens. People should refuse to pay bribes and report any illegal demand immediately. Every complaint received by the ACB is handled with complete confidentiality, and strict action is taken against those found involved in corrupt practices,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharmaraj Sonke.
To make reporting easier, citizens can approach the ACB through various platforms, including:
The awareness drive is being carried out under the supervision of Thane Range Superintendent of Police Shivraj Patil, along with Additional Superintendents of Police Bhagwat Sonawane and Suhas Shinde. Navi Mumbai ACB Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharmaraj Sonke is overseeing the campaign’s implementation.
Officials said the objective is not only to take action against corrupt officials but also to educate citizens about the importance of reporting bribery attempts.
The campaign comes after several successful trap operations conducted by the Navi Mumbai ACB. In recent months, the bureau has taken action against officials from government agencies, including the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), in separate bribery cases.
The ACB also arrested a Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) officer posted in Taloja after allegedly catching the official while accepting illegal gratification from a complainant.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has reminded citizens that both offering and accepting bribes are punishable offences under the law. People have been advised to avoid negotiating with officials demanding illegal payments and to contact the ACB before handing over any money.
With the ‘Bribe-Free Navi Mumbai’ campaign, the bureau aims to strengthen public participation and create a more transparent and accountable system of governance.
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