Aiming to institutionalize strict surveillance and implement preventive practices in the offices, the State Government will execute Punjab vigilance guidelines soon so that corrective measures could be enforced effectively to weed out corruption in the state.Announcing this here today, Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh said the State had already circulated various directions and instructions to the Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) of all the departments for implementation of effective measures to curb corruption. "With a view to streamline the investigations and proper follow up of vigilance cases by the CVOs, the vigilance department will draft specific guidelines on the pattern of central vigilance commission (CVC) guidelines which will be made online on websites", he added.Addressing a state level meeting of CVOs of various departments, corporations, boards, local government authorities, he asked them to send names of officials/officers indulging in corrupt practises or with dubious service records to the vigilance department. Chief Secretary also instructed the CVOs to hold monthly meetings with their head of department, administrative secretary as well as secretary vigilance to review the references and complaints forwarded by the vigilance bureau so that further action could be initiated against the erring officers/officials.
Vivek Pratap Singh Secretary Vigilance while highlighting the role of CVOs said they constitute a vital link between the departments and vigilance bureau and must perform their duties diligently as provided in the manuals and instructions. He said the CVOs must ensure expeditious action on investigation reports in their organizations. Arun Sekhari Special Secretary Vigilance in his welcome address asked the vigilance officers to discharge their duties efficiently and effectively.Addressing the participants B.K. Uppal Chief Director Vigilance Bureau said there was dire need to check malpractices and irregularities in various departments especially in public dealing offices so that public could get justice and citizen centric services without offering bribes.Stressing to strengthen vigilance setup in departments, BK Uppal said 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 wherever existing which facilitate corruption", he added. The vigilance chief also advised to institute best CVO Award or Satarkata Samman Award on the lines of as instituted by CVC.Among others present on the occasion included MK Tewari DGP Administration, G. Nageshwara Rao Director Vigilance Bureau, Sunil Kumar Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, KS Pannu Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board, C. Sibin Director Rural Development and Panchayats, KK Yadav Director Local Government and Shive Kumar Verma IG/EOW.