The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) laid 77 traps against bribe seekers last year, compared to 38 in 2012.
The VB also initiated formal inquiries against 49 gazetted officers in cases related to corruption and disproportionate assets last year. The number of such inquires was just 13 in 2012.
Releasing the VB's annual report here, VB chief director Suresh Arora told the media that sensitising chief vigilance officers in every department of the state government and launching joint operations, especially with officials of the excise and taxation and irrigation departments, had helped the VB in its crackdown operations.
He said although the number of public servants convicted in VB cases of corruption in 2013 was 106 against 92 in 2012, the conviction rate in various courts last year remained 34.2%, against 43.2% in the previous year.
Arora counted the creation of the internal vigilance cell as another achievement of the VB, stating that two inspectors and an assistant sub-inspector, a head constable and a constable were sent back to their parental police department in view of complaints against them.
In all, the internal vigilance cell enquired into 35 complaints against officers/officials in the VB in 2013, of which the five aforesaid personnel were repatriated.
{{/usCountry}}In all, the internal vigilance cell enquired into 35 complaints against officers/officials in the VB in 2013, of which the five aforesaid personnel were repatriated.
{{/usCountry}}The toll-free number 1800-1800-1000 has given a boost to the VB's functioning and helped to curb corruption more effectively, he added.