Srinagar: After conducting raids in many high profile offices, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has now issued an advisory to government departments, asking them to bring transparency in execution of development works.
ACB in an official communiqué to government had informed that they have received complaints regarding embezzlement of funds in various departments through release of funds. “A number of restoration works are undertaken by the Government agencies every year.
In order to ensure that same works are not shown to have been executed repeatedly, it is imperative that location of all works are fully described through GPS coordinates and the photographs before and after execution of work are mandatorily produced before making payments, ” the advisory, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.
ACB has also directed them that no work should be taken up without Administrative Approval (AA). “The departments should accord Administrative Approval only after satisfying that same work has not been taken up for execution in earlier years/by other agencies. Withdrawal of bills against any non-existent works/renovation needs to be stopped forthwith, “it reads.
Last year Governor Satya Pal Malik-led administration amended Prevention of Corruption Act Samvat, 2006 and Jammu and Kashmir State Vigilance Commission Act, 2011 and established the
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to combat the menace of corruption in the state. Acting on ACB complaints, government had asked departments to follow these steps before ensure completion of works. The departments have to produce photographic records of all completed works with GPS coordinates and engineering certificate of completion by concerned Executive Engineer or appropriate level.
Besides, planning, Development & Monitoring Department have to develop a Map recording all works on a GIS system by 15.07.2019. The government has also directed Administrative Secretaries to put in place a proper mechanism to ensure these guidelines are followed.
Recently, ACB raided JK Bank headquarters, Deputy Mayor’s office besides arresting executive engineer Roads and Buildings Department, Bandipora, for accepting the bribe ACB also conducted a raid on the office of Divisional Manager State Forest Corporation Kishtwar in connection with illegal allotment of a contract.
