Punjab Govt gives marching orders to 3 excise officers

The Punjab Government today withdrew the extension in service given to three Excise and Taxation Officers (ETOs) on charges of negligence in duty, involvement in corrupt practices and doubtful integrity.
According to an official spokesman, the move was part of the government's efforts to eliminate corruption and bring in transparency.
He said the three ETOs -- Sharminder Singh Sidhu, Satpal and Jarnail Ram -- have been given marching order one year before their tenure was to end.
The Excise Department has also launched helpline number 1800-258-2580 and email id 'rahatscheme2014@gmail.Com' for public to file complaints in this regard, the spokesman said.

The three ETOs were facing charges of dereliction in duty, involvement in corrupt practices and doubtful integrity.
He said under new policy of the state these officers had got extension of two years in services after completion of their service till 58 years and they have completed one year from the extended period.

The spokesman said ETO Satpal had failed to keep a check on illegal activities of trading firms leading to tax evasion, while Jarnail Ram had failed to check corrupt practices being run by other officials at his duty point at ICC Harsa-Mansar barrier, where he was in charge of all operations.

During investigation, it came to light that two sewadars deployed at the Harsa-Mansar barrier were taking illegal gratifications from vehicles.
The accused have confessed before the investigating officer that they were extorting money at the behest of senior officer deployed at the barrier.
The spokesman said action has been taken against the erring officers, who have caused loss to the public exchequer, under the Punjab Civil Services Rules (Punishment and Appeals).