Patna, May 16
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during a high-level review meeting, has directed key state agencies, including the Special Vigilance Unit, Economic Offences Unit (EOU), Bihar Police, and other enforcement bodies, to intensify efforts in combating corruption across government departments, an official said on Friday.
The Chief Minister emphasised the state's commitment to "development with justice", reiterating a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
He called for a corruption-free administration, urging the agencies to be dynamic, sensitive, and proactive in identifying and eliminating graft.
During the detailed review of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, Special Vigilance Unit, Technical Examination Cell, and EOU, Nitish Kumar instructed officials to conduct rapid investigations and ensure quick disposal of corruption cases.
He also asked to improve monitoring of workflows from top to bottom within departments, increase public awareness and simplify the complaint registration process through control rooms and toll-free numbers.
He directed the officials to take special surveillance on key government offices and departments, including zonal offices, blocks, police stations, education, health, Anganwadi centres, mining, and transport.
Nitish Kumar also emphasised the role of District Magistrates in maintaining oversight and conducting surprise inspections of public welfare schemes like MNREGA, encouraging immediate action in cases of irregularities to uphold public trust.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, presented the formation and functioning of the vigilance agencies, while DG of Vigilance Bureau J.S. Gangwar shared updates on case investigations.
Senior officials including ADG Pankaj Darad (Special Vigilance Unit), ADG Nayyar Hasnain Khan (EOU), and Engineer-in-Chief Ravi Kumar (Technical Cell) outlined the progress in tackling economic crimes, cyber frauds, and technical irregularities.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging all departments to work diligently and transparently, declaring that no form of corruption would be tolerated under his administration.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary to Chief Minister Anupam Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister Kumar Ravi, Deputy Inspector General of Police of Economic Offenses Unit Manavjit Singh Dhillon, and other officers were present.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some strong words against corruption! But will this translate to action? We've heard such promises before. The real test will be when big fish are caught, not just small clerks. Hope Nitish Kumar walks the talk 🤞
Good initiative! Corruption at grassroots level affects common people the most - especially in schemes like MNREGA and Anganwadi centers. If this brings transparency, it will be a big relief for rural Bihar. Jai Hind!
Why only now? This should have been priority from Day 1. Still, better late than never. The toll-free complaint system needs proper implementation - most such numbers either don't work or complaints get buried in bureaucracy.
As a teacher in government school, I've seen how corruption affects education quality. Hope this brings change! 🙠But will officers really conduct surprise checks? Or just warn their corrupt friends beforehand? The system needs complete overhaul.
Good steps but implementation is key. In my experience, even honest officers face political pressure when they try to act against corruption. Unless there's protection for whistleblowers, nothing will change. Also, cases should be time-bound!
Corruption-free Bihar would be dream come true! 😊 But public awareness is crucial - many villagers don't even know their rights or how to complain. Gram Panchayats should have regular meetings to educate people about these anti-corruption measures.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.