Corrupt officials will be shown door: JK CM

Srinagar, July 8: Reiterating his war against corrupt and non- performing officials, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said such officials would have to face severe consequences.

However, he asked the State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) not to discourage or dishearten officers from doing their rightful job but show no mercy to those who has been chronically corrupt and non- performing.

Addressing the inaugural session of a day-long conference of departmental vigilance officers here, the Chief Minister said SVO was not there 'to put everybody in jail', adding that the deterrence of the Organisation should not discourage or dishearten officers from doing their rightful job or execute development projects.

But he asked the SVO not to show any mercy to those who were corrupt by conviction and had refused to change over the years.

The CM said officials who did not perform or spend the money put at their disposal for infrastructure development were equally criminals.

Their lapse, he said, was a graver crime as it deprived common people from the fruits of development and kept basic amenities far from their reach.

He said these officials should remember that the money was meant for public welfare and by not utilising it they were doing the greatest disservice to their own people and the State.

Mr Azad said crores of rupees had been provided by the Central Government for infrastructure development like schools, hospitals, roads and other amenities that could change the entire development profile of the State. He said if this money was not spent it would put general public to great inconvenience and disadvantage. The onus of this would entirely be on non-performing officials who were answerable to the society.

He asserted honest government officials need not feel threatened by his war against corruption.

The Chief Minister asked the Vigilance Organisation to focus more on preventive rather than punitive measures.

'' Our aim is that nobody should do any wrong or loot the State exchequer'', he said. If this objective was achieved by prevention, there would be no need for punitive measures, he added.

He said unintentional mistakes or errors of judgement could be overlooked if the intent of the official was right. Officials who have unintentionally erred and were ready to reform themselves should be given a chance, he added.

He said Departmental Vigilance Officers(DVO) should be provided with incentives directly linked to their performance.

However, he said while selecting DVOs their capabilities, aptitude and performance should be kept in view, adding that they had to be role model for others.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary, C Phunsog said of the 175 cases of corruption referred to government, sanction in 150 cases was given.

He assured Chief Minister that administration would ensure to realise his vision of zero tolerance to corruption.

UNI