Srinagar/ Sept,20 : Renowned social activist and columnist Ahmad Ayaz has expressed serious concern over the growing menace of corruption in Jammu & Kashmir, saying that it is undermining public trust, good governance and effective delivery of public services. “Corruption is becoming increasingly pervasive in J&K, and society needs to get rid of this menace,” Ayaz said.
He urged the forthcoming Assembly session to hold a focused and substantive debate on corruption and demand specific, measurable and time-bound action from the government. He called for time-bound disposal of corruption complaints and inquiries, stronger Anti-Corruption Bureau and vigilance mechanisms, greater transparency in government contracts, tenders and public procurement, and accountability of officials found guilty of corruption or deliberate negligence.
Ayaz also called for strengthening public grievance-redressal systems by prescribing clear timelines for disposal of complaints and fixing responsibility for unresolved grievances. He stressed the need to expand digitisation and auditing of vulnerable government processes to reduce discretion and opportunities for corrupt practices.
He said the government should place before the Assembly a clear anti-corruption action plan with specific targets, timelines and a mechanism for monitoring implementation, along with periodic reporting on progress.
“Combating corruption cannot remain confined to statements of intent. It requires sustained institutional action, transparency and accountability. Restoring public confidence in government institutions must be a priority for both the government and the legislature,” Ayaz said.
