Bihar CM cracks the whip on corrupt officials

Sending out a tough message against corruption, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Wednesday ordered dismissal of corrupt officers from service within two months, officials said.

"The chief minister has directed speedier action against corrupt officials and ordered dismissal of all of them within two months after completing departmental proceedings and other formalities," Chief Secretary A.K. Sinha told mediapersons.

Nitish Kumar held a video conference with all the district magistrates and superintendents of police here to enquire about corruption cases involving public servants and speedy trial in such cases.

Sinha said Nitish Kumar also ordered the setting up of a local unit on the lines of the vigilance bureau or the economic offences unit to deal with corruption cases. "He has directed strengthening of the vigilance bureau or economic offences unit on the lines of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to fight against corruption in the state," he said.

"Nitish Kumar is hell bent on punishing corrupt officials in a record time. It will help to restore the common man's faith in governance," an official said.

Sinha said Nitish Kumar directed the district magistrates to act against corrupt officials without fear. "Now, a DM has been given power to act against corrupt officials," he said.