Odisha CM directs implementation of anti-graft policy

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday directed the administration to implement "Zero Tolerance Policy" in true letter and spirit against corruption in different social welfare schemes of the state.

Presiding over a meeting here, the Chief Minister directed implementation of preventive measures to check corruption in social welfare schemes.

He ordered the officials to maintain a strict vigil so that the poor were not deprived of their rights.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to focus on various rural housing schemes, Niramaya Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and ICDS programmes, which are largely benefiting economically weaker sections.

It was also decided in the meeting that all panchayat representatives at the block level and government officials will be regularly made aware of the bad effects of corruption.

The government has decided to form committees at the block-, district- and state-levels where local Vigilance officials will be members of the committee.

The block and district committees will make field surveys in order to ensure transparency in developmental and welfare schemes, said an official.

The committees will hold meetings at regular intervals and submit reports with the Vigilance Department, which will scrutinise the reports. The Vigilance Department will then inform the departments concerned about the irregularities, said an official.

Besides, an Oversight Committee headed by the Chief Secretary will be constituted at the state-level. It will oversee the pre-emptive drive launched against corruption.

Sources said the Vigilance Department has already received 560 complaints against corruption in rural housing schemes.

--IANS

cd/ahm/dg