Kerala’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) stands at the forefront of the state's efforts to uphold integrity and transparency in governance. By combining a robust legal framework with proactive citizen engagement, the bureau enables public participation in the fight against corruption, making it a model for other Indian states.

Empowering the Public to Report Corruption

The VACB has created multiple accessible channels for the public to report instances of corruption. Citizens can file complaints through the official VACB website https://vigilance.kerala.gov.in,  call the toll-free number 1064, send emails, or submit petitions at district-level vigilance offices. The bureau has also developed a mobile app and a WhatsApp helpline number- 9447789100, to ensure that even those in remote areas can lodge complaints quickly and discreetly.

To protect whistleblowers and promote confidence, the bureau maintains confidentiality of the complainant's identity. Complaints are carefully vetted and categorized, ensuring that false or malicious entries are filtered out, while genuine reports receive prompt action.

Transparent Investigation Process

Once a complaint is accepted, the VACB initiates a thorough investigation. This includes preliminary verification, followed by detailed inquiries, trap operations (where officials are caught red-handed accepting bribes), and surprise inspections. Cases are handled with high levels of procedural transparency, and all activities are monitored and documented to prevent bias or manipulation.

The bureau coordinates with departments like Police, Revenue, and Local Self-Government to trace evidence and ensure timely prosecution. Legal support is extended to build airtight cases in Vigilance Courts, increasing the conviction rate and sending a strong deterrent message to potential offenders.

Preventive Vigilance: Beyond Catching the Guilty

While investigation is one pillar of VACB’s work, preventive vigilance is equally important. The bureau regularly conducts awareness programs in public offices, schools, and colleges to instil an anti-corruption mindset. Risk-prone departments are identified through systemic audits, and policy reforms are suggested to plug procedural loopholes.

One unique initiative is the Integrity Pledge campaign, where citizens, students, and government staff publicly commit to ethical conduct.

Integrity Pledge for Citizens:

“I believe that corruption has been one of the major obstacles to economic. political and social progress of our country. I believe that all stakeholders such as Government, citizens and private sector need to work together to eradicate corruption. I realize that every citizen should be vigilant and commit to highest standards of honesty and integrity at all times and support the fight against corruption.” I, therefore pledge:

 • To follow probity and rule of law in all walks of life

 • To neither take nor offer bribe

• To perform all tasks in an honest and transparent manner

• To act in public interest

 • To lead by example exhibiting integrity in personal behavior

 • To report any incident of corruption to the appropriate agency

The bureau also collaborates with resident associations and civil society watchdogs to monitor local-level public service delivery.

Success Stories That Inspire

The VACB’s operations have led to several high-impact crackdowns. In 2022, a senior tax official was arrested for demanding bribes related to building permits, thanks to a citizen’s video evidence and prompt action by the bureau. In another case, an entire procurement scam in the Health Department was unearthed through anonymous tips submitted via the mobile app.

These success stories have reinforced public trust in the system and encouraged more people to come forward. In fact, the number of actionable complaints has steadily increased, indicating growing public participation rather than rising corruption.

Impact and Comparative Assessment

Kerala’s corruption rate has seen a noticeable decline over the past decade. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kerala reported 365 corruption-related cases in 2015, which dropped to 223 in 2023, a lofty 39% decrease. While states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh continue to report high numbers due to size and administrative spread, Kerala remains among the top states in terms of convictions per complaint.

This can be attributed to the VACB’s strategic functioning, including digital tracking of complaints, time-bound investigations, and regular reviews. Kerala also invests in training public servants on ethical conduct, unlike many other states where vigilance is purely reactive.

Kerala Vigilance & Anti corruption Bureau’s model of Collaborative Governance

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau of Kerala exemplifies how citizen-government collaboration can effectively combat corruption. By making the public an active stakeholder, ensuring transparency in investigations, and promoting systemic reform, the bureau is not only catching the corrupt - it’s preventing corruption before it starts.

As digital tools and civic awareness grow, VACB’s model could serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country - proving that when people participate, governance transforms.