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No corrupt official will go scot-free: CM
Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday issued a stern warning to government officials indulging in corruption saying, "We will not allow them to go scot-free".
Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday issued a stern warning to government officials indulging in corruption saying, "We will not allow them to go scot-free".
"We have taken several measures to reduce chances of corruption and punish the culprits...further steps are on to ensure that government functionaries indulging in corruption are readily booked and handed over severe punishment under the law," Omar said.
Addressing a meeting of the consultative committee on general administration department, IMPA, Estates and Public Service Commission, the Chief Minister said, "We will not allow them (corrupt officials) to go scot-free."
Presenting an overview of new initiatives to improve governance and bring transparency in the functioning of administration, Omar said, by setting up the Vigilance Commission, re-constituting the Accountability Commission and empowering people through Right to Information Act and Public Service Guarantee Act, his government has created substantial means to reduce chances of corruption.
He underlined the need for full utilisation of powers entrusted to people to scan government functioning and help in identifying unscrupulous elements in the administration.
Omar said, this year his government has put in place a results framework document (RFD), which would help common people to ascertain the performance and functioning of government departments. The consultative committee was informed that 193 cases received from State Vigilance Organisation (SVO), Crime Branch and CBI, have been sanctioned for prosecution by the government and there is no backlog in this regard, while three cases relating to IFS and IAS officers have been referred to the Centre.
The government would consider placing high-ranking officials in corruption prone areas as dedicated vigilance officers to keep tab on transactions and functions of these departments and report regularly to the Vigilance Commission, Omar said.
The Vigilance Commission has been allotted an office in Srinagar's Old Assembly Complex and cases pertaining to bureaucrats and government officials have been transferred to it from the accountability commission, which will concentrate on cases pertaining to politicians, he said.
On creating enhanced opportunities for the youth in government employment, Omar said, while directions have been given to fast track the recruitment process, government would actively consider video recording of interviews to remove doubts and strengthening the selection process.
On the accommodation issue, Omar said, the state government has already approved construction of various complexes to accommodate government officials, politicians and others in Srinagar and Jammu.
