SRINAGAR, JAN 16: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has instructed departments to conclude departmental inquiries into corruption cases within three months and report the outcomes to the General Administration Department.
Before referring a case to the anti-graft body, the government has directed departments to complete the internal enquiry within three months. “Once the government receives the outcome of the internal enquiry, and the same will be referred to an anti-graft body for further course of action,” a senior official said.
Departments have been asked to mention all details like allegations and their nature, details of the complainant with complete address, the purpose of the complaint, order of enquiry, recording of statements of parties, examination of records and findings thereof and physical inspection of works and findings thereof.
According to rules, the investigating agencies – Anti-Corruption Bureau or Crime Branch – in many cases recommend departmental action against delinquent public servants under which the departments are required to initiate departmental proceedings in accordance with the rules.
The official said anti-graft bodies have recommended strict action against those officers who shield tainted officials.
“It has been found that officers in various departments are not acting on recommendations of investigating agencies and instead resort to delaying dallying tactics,” the official said.
The official said that investigating agencies have written to the government that many government departments are not following the directives of anti-graft bodies. Following this, the government took note and asked departments for quick disposal of cases.
Several departments have directed concerned officials to follow the standard procedure while preparing the enquiry reports.
A circular issued by a government department says a number of enquiries are being conducted in the department from time to time for which either enquiry officers or enquiry committees are designated.
“However, it has been observed that the enquiry officers and committees do not follow the standard procedure while preparing the enquiry reports. Consequently, the required decisions in such matters get delayed due to lack of clarity in the enquiry reports,” the circular reads.
Under the Centre’s Prevention of Corruption Act, the anti-graft bodies have been given sweeping powers to eradicate corruption in the new Union Territory. “To influence a public servant, by corrupt or illegal means, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than three years but may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine,” the Act reads.
