AAP government takes measures to ensure action against corrupt

In line with its “zero-tolerance policy” on corruption, the AAP government has initiated a series of measures to ensure that timely action is taken against any corrupt officers in the national capital. The Kejriwal government has also appointed eight IAS and Danics officers as special vigilance commissioners in various departments to strengthen its vigilance measures and to streamline speedy disposal of complaints having verifiable facts and cases of disciplinary proceedings.

A report prepared by the vigilance department said that a complaint-handling committee has been formulated in line with the instr-uctions of the Central Vig-ilance Commission and the Union government’s depar-tment of personnel and training to handle corruption-related complaints. The job of the committee is to take necessary action on the merits of each complaint. Some complaints are also sent for investigation to the anti-corruption branch and the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The report said that the vigilance directorate has been maintaining regular coordination with the CBI in matters related to investigation of cases, prosecution sanction and initiation of regular departmental action against delinquent employees.

The government is also preparing an elaborate citizens’ charter to ensure time-bound delivery of important public services to reduce “so-called speed money corruption.” In larger public interest, commissions of inquiry are being constituted to probe important matters linked to grave charges or allegations. The administration has already set up two inquiry commissions to probe irregularities in the CNG fitness scam and the DDCA.

The Kejriwal government has already created a feedback unit in the vigilance directorate for improving and strengthening the monitoring mechanism of activities of various departments, autonomous bodies, institutions and other entities which fall under its jurisdiction.

The report said that the AAP government had been encouraging general public to bring to its notice any matter linked to corruption. An anti-corruption helpline, 1031, is being operated under the direct control of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s office. The service can be used by people to lodge complaints of bribery against the government employees.

It said that the Kejriwal government has emphasised on “preventive vigilance,” lesser discretion and systematic improvement and transparency in providing citizen-friendly services. “Adoption of such measures would, in the long run, help the government in curbing the menace of corruption and also minimise it to a larger extent. As part of this exercise, the government has initiated online services, including services on e-applications, to reduce citizens’ visits to offices and provide information electronically rather than over the counter and dispense with unnecessary affidavits and undertakings by replacing them with self-attestation while availing of these services.”