Punjab to execute state vigilance guidelines

The Punjab government will soon implement state vigilance guidelines to enforce corrective measures to weed out corruption from the state, an official said today.
The state has already issued directions and instructions to chief vigilance officers (CVOs) for implementing the guidelines, Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh said.
"With a view to streamline investigations and ensure proper follow-up of cases by CVOs, the vigilance department will draft guidelines on the pattern of those of the central vigilance commission (CVC). These will be put up on websites," he said at a state level meeting of CVOs.
The officer asked them to send names of officials involved in corrupt practises or with dubious service records to the vigilance department.

The chief secretary also instructed them to hold monthly meetings with their head of departments, administrative secretary as well as secretary vigilance to review references and complaints.
Secretary Vigilance Vivek Pratap Singh highlighted the role of CVOs and said that they establish a link between the departments and vigilance bureau, and perform their duties diligently.

He said the CVOs must ensure expeditious action on investigation reports in their organisations.
Chief Director Vigilance Bureau B K Uppal said that there was dire need to check malpractices and irregularities in various departments so that people can get justice and services without offering bribes.

On strengthening vigilance setups in departments, Uppal said that cases for prosecution sanctions were not being decided in time by various departments.
"It is the duty of CVOs to check and review the procedures adopted in the department in this regard and to plug loop-holes", he added.