Making it clear that his government will not tolerate corruption at any level, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday urged people, in particular slum dwellers in Warangal, not to grease the palms of babus or middlemen.

In case, any government official or middleman demands a bribe, the Chief Minister said, “you can just pick up the phone and call me.” He turned to his officers on the dais, got the number and dictated the same to the people. “Call 040-23454071. It is a toll free number set up at the Chief Minister’s Office in Hyderabad,” he informed.

He was addressing the Laxmipuram slum dwellers after laying the foundation for the construction of houses. He urged the people to save the number and refrain from giving bribes to get the government house. When TRS MP Kadiyam Srihari interjected to air his doubts that the number could possibly be misused, the Chief Minister advised the people to dial the number only if necessary. In the same breath, he warned officials of stringent action if they were found to be indulging in corrupt activities.

On the housing scheme, Chandrasekhar Rao said as many as 3,957 houses would be constructed in six identified slum areas under the Warangal Municipal Corporation limits within four months at an estimated cost of Rs.400 crore. Lashing out at opposition parties, he alleged they had failed to make life a bit easier for slum dwellers in their 60-year rule. “There is no magic wand with us to sort out all the problems at one go. They will be addressed in a phased manner. No Chief Minister had ever stayed in Warangal city for four days. I am here for development and I need your cooperation,” he said.

Never said anything against ramoji: KCR

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday clarified he did not make any comments against Ramoji Film City. He said media baron Ramoji Rao did not encroach upon any land. To a query, he replied he had never said he would plough the film city once Telangana was formed. He said industrialists like Ramoji Rao should be encouraged and promised to roll out the red carpet for them.

‘Now Dial 040-23454071 to Nail Corrupt’

He also distributed pensions and food security cards to people who had missed out during the regular course. Later, addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said Rs.100 crore will be released soon as a first instalment for taking up works related to the construction of the houses.

“The houses will be constructed in precast method. Some companies are coming forward to take up the project. The houses can be built in a maximum period of five months,” he felt, adding all the houses will get in-house tap facility for the supply of drinking water.

The Chief Minister, however, clarified the government would not construct houses in slum areas where locals are against the G+1 model.

He also said the government was mulling distribution of land pattas to people who have occupied tank beds (Shikam land) in the city.