Systemic Corruption Persists Unabated: Coimbatore Unit of Anti-Corruption Movement

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore district unit of the Anti-Corruption Movement has submitted a representation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay seeking urgent implementation of measures to ensure corruption-free administration.

The Anti-Corruption Movement is a social welfare organisation that campaigns against public corruption, honours honest government employees and whistleblowers, files public interest litigations (PILs), and educates citizens on their legal rights.

In its September 15 representation, the Coimbatore district unit referred to the Chief Minister's commitment against corruption and its earlier representation dated July 12, 2026. It said recent developments showed that systemic corruption continued and alleged that repeated apprehension of officials demanding bribes had affected public confidence.

The movement sought stringent action against habitual or "incorrigible" corrupt officials, including invoking Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, wherever warranted, to terminate them summarily and protect the public exchequer.

It also sought hierarchical accountability, with department heads and supervisory officers made responsible for corrupt practices under their supervision. The Chief Secretary was urged to require Heads of Departments to submit periodic Vigilance and Transparency Certificates, with performance audits placed in the public domain.

The organisation called for strict implementation of Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) directions to establish District-level Monitoring Committees headed by District Collectors to detect and demolish unauthorised constructions across municipal corporations and local bodies. It also sought a time-bound State-wide drive to remove encroachments from wetlands, riverbeds and lakes, restore water bodies in Revenue records and fix criminal accountability on officials who permitted illegal settlements and pattas.

On mining and mineral resources, the movement alleged revenue leakages from illegal quarrying and transportation without payment of legitimate seigniorage fees. It sought automated digital weighbridges, mandatory GPS tracking of transit passes and stringent auditing to address the issue.

The organisation further sought greater accountability for the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), including constant vigilance, immediate inquiries into corruption complaints and action to their logical conclusion. It also alleged that political influence during previous regimes had affected the agency's functioning.

The movement urged the Chief Minister to establish systemic oversight and take administrative measures on its recommendations. Copies were submitted to the Minister for Prevention of Corruption, the Chief Secretary and the Director of DVAC for necessary action.