Chennai sources reported that actor turned politician Kamal Hassan launched his party Makkal Needhi Maiam's (MNM) mobile application where issues ranging from corruption to civic problems can be reported for possible redress. Meanwhile Hassan said "The app can be used by MNM volunteers". Moreover the MNM chief, who had earlier proposed rolling out such an initiative, said the 'Maiam Whistle App' will not be a 'magic wand' that could solve issues instantly but will act as a 'tool' which will ensure problems reach officials concerned.
Further according to report Haasan said MNM will act like an "agency" that will monitor if persistent problems are not addressed by those concerned. Kamal said though the idea of such an app was floated a couple of months ago, it took shape only now as his party wanted it to be an effective platform.
Furthermore according to MNM, when a citizen
reports an issue with video or photographic evidence, a designated 'Champion'
(volunteer) visits the location of the problem and either approves or dismisses
it and moreover to avoid the app's misuse, Maiam Whistle has put in multiple
verification processes and those who misuse the tool will lose membership and
face being reported to authorities concerned. It also has provisions of
anonymity in the event of someone preferring to stay so and the app also allows
the party to understand the issues of the people.
