Corruption in babudom: Narendra Modi talks tough

Chief minister Narendra Modi plans to root out corruption in the state administration by initiating severe disciplinary orders. He has given instructions to halt the full salary, pension and all other benefits of corrupt officials proven guilty in the state.

A policy matter decision has been taken by the CM recently in this regard. Additional chief secretary (PER), general administration department (GAD) Balwant Singh (IAS), has issued an order in this regard to all department heads, all government board/corporations and all government offices.

The order states: “ The government is committed to removing corruption from public service and has also taken a series of steps in that direction.

“ If a government employee is caught red-handed while accepting a bribe or illegal gratification, he will be prosecuted under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
“If such person is convicted by the court of law while in service, then the penalty imposable on him would be dismissal or removal from service and in that eventuality he will not be entitled to any pension and other benefits.

“If such person is convicted by the court after his retirement, then obviously the only penalty imposable on him would be pension-cut.

“If we take analogy from the fact that such person, had he been in government service, would have been dismissed/removed from service and would not have been entitled to any pension, it would be logical to conclude that 100 per cent pension-cut on permanent basis in the case of a retired employee, who is convicted by the court for acceptance of bribe/illegal gratification, would be justified.’’

Singh in his order further said that,”in view of this, I am desired to request you to ensure that the penalty of 100 per cent pension-cut on permanent basis is imposed in all such cases where a retired employees is convicted by a court of law for acceptance of illegal gratification/bribe.