Cellphone coupon to update public about Anna's programme

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Team Anna has come up with a new concept to spread awareness among people about its programme over the year: a Rs.25 coupon's code to be entered in the mobile phone, which will give updates about Hazare's programme.

"We have introduced a Rs.25 coupon whose number code has to be put in the mobile phone and then, one can get details of Anna's programme around the year," said a team member.

With a one-year validity, the coupons will allow sending of free messages to the mobile phone owner so that all the information can directly reach the common man.

"You (media persons) only go to the places where you find crowds. With the help of this coupon, people can directly remain updated about Anna's programme," said a member selling the card.

On being asked whether people were really interested in buying the coupons, the member further added: "Today, we have sold around 1,500 coupons, and people are really interested in buying these coupons to update them over the year."

Besides coupons, T-shirts with Anna's photo for Rs.100, and books on the Jan Lokpal Bill for Rs.5 were also being sold in the stall.

The Gandhi caps were back in fashion with 'I am Anna' written on the sides. The caps, made from all sorts of materials, from cloth to paper, sold like hot cakes at Rs.10 each.

This time, Team Anna was more prepared and "media savvy", with giant screens installed around the venue. The screens showed short videos about whistle-blowers' fight against corruption.