In an out-of-the-box move, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Director Jacob Thomas is seeking to tap mobile technology and social media to fight corruption with public participation.
Tenders have been invited for “developing, testing, managing, and operating a mobile app with social media and modern communication technology integration for full public participatory, all inclusive and interactive anti-corruption actions in Kerala.”
Though the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) was initially approached for developing the solution, the agency was not found to have the required expertise. But expertise alone won’t do. Honesty of the software technology firm has been set one of the prime criteria for selection. Firms that have a permanent office in Kerala, international clients and experience in developing and running mobile apps with social media interactivity may bid for anti-corruption solution on or before June 27.
Print, visual media too welcome to bid
Interestingly, print and visual media solution providers have also been invited to bid.
The tender notification states that the most creative solution provider, and those who can execute it as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment would get priority.
When contacted, Mr. Thomas declined to reveal the larger game plan, or the rationale behind opting for a mobile app. “I have a clear strategy for the anti-corruption campaign,” was all he would say.
He had held an interaction with anti-corruption NGOs and activists on Thursday and said that such interactions would not be perfunctory. “I will do nothing as just routine and nothing will be predictable. That is part of the strategy - there will be no predictability in the operations of VACB,” Mr. Thomas said.
Asked about the practicality of dovetailing the anti-corruption initiatives with CSR, he said this was to encourage companies that viewed fighting corruption as part of their social commitment. “There is also a research curiosity in knowing whether the print and visual media would want to join in the fight against corruption,” Mr. Thomas said.
RTI and anti-corruption activist D.B. Binu, who attended the interaction with the VACB Director, said that technology infusion seems a right move to revitalise an agency, which at present does not even have a properly functioning website.
