SRINAGAR, DEC 21: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to scrutinize the property details of bureaucrats to curb corruption in the Union Territory.
A senior official in the Chief Secretary’s office said that the government has received reports about various bureaucrats who have amassed huge wealth over the years.
“For the last three years, action has been taken against several bureaucrats in disproportionate cases. They have made more than their salary income and have been involved in corruption,” the official said.
To scrutinize bureaucrats’ property details, the government has also asked the IAS officers to file their annual Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) electronically by January 31, 2024.
“An online module has been introduced with effect from January 1, 2017, in respect of IAS officers for online filing of IPR. Through this module, every IAS officer can submit his or her IPR either electronically or upload a scanned copy of the manually filled-in IPR. This online module closes automatically after the prescribed timeline of January 31 in respect of filing of IPR of the preceding year,” the GAD said in an order.
Official sources said that it has been found that many officers don’t share their exact property details. “Once they submit their details, the investigating agencies will scrutinize them and ensure they have shared exact details. If it is found any officer having disproportionate assets, actions will be taken against him or her accordingly,” the official added.
According to the government order, in terms of Rule 16(2) of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, every member of the service is required to submit his or her annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) by January 31 of the next year, failure whereof constitutes good and sufficient reason for the institution of disciplinary proceedings.
It says that late submission (of IPR) will result in denial of vigilance clearance.
