Rout returns graft to Badal’s agenda

CHANDIGARH, NOV 9: The Punjab government is planning to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for setting up special courts for spee...

CHANDIGARH, NOV 9: The Punjab government is planning to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for setting up special courts for speedy trial in cases of corruption.

Addressing the first meeting of the vigilance officers, down to the level of Deputy Superintendent of Police from all over the state, Badal said the state government was also toning up the vigilance organisation to bring about an appreciable increase in the rate of convictions to provide an element of deterrence. Clear instructions are being issued to all the administrative departments to decide cases relating to the grant of sanction for prosecution of the guilty in a time-bound manner.

Increasing corruption had emerged as a major issue in the recent Lok Sabha elections in which the Akali Dal faced a humiliating defeat. The eradication of this menace is back on the agenda of the Chief Minister.

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“Perform or pack up” was what the Chief Minister signalled. He made it clear that the government would not compromise on corruption in anycircumstances and reward competent officers who nab corrupt officers. He promised full patronage and support to the vigilance department officers in this drive.

Badal said the vigilance inquiries would be completed in a time-bound manner within three months and no extension would be given, except in special circumstances. The investigating officer would be made accountable for any failure to adhere to the time schedule.

He asserted that the nexus between corrupt elements and their sympathisers holding important positions would have to be demolished to eliminate the challenge of corruption.

Badal said during the past few days, one excise and taxation officer, one improvement trust executive officer and one assistant sub-inspector had been placed under suspension in Gurdaspur district and criminal proceedings had been initiated against them under the provisions of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act.