The Government of Punjab is going to take strict action against the tainted officers and employees under the zero tolerance policy in corruption cases. The government will remove such tainted employees from public dealing who have been issued charge sheets in different cases and against whom different cases have been registered. This action will be taken in the coming new year to crack down on the tainted and corrupt officers. Apart from this, Chief Minister Bhagwant has also instructed the Vigilance Bureau to investigate the complaints filed under corruption charges on priority basis. Apart from this, the complaints which are pending with the heads of departments have been asked to settle them as soon as possible. The government would be attempting to review the report of each of the officer before the end of January before Election Commission’s election code kicks in for the 2024 general elections
According to reports, there are around 500 officers and employees at the primary level who are facing investigation under corruption charges. State Chief Secretary Anurag Verma has asked all the officers to take strict action on priority basis under the zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption.
288 people have been arrested in disproportionate assets cases. The Vigilance Bureau apprehended 288 accused in 251 corruption cases during 2023. Notably, among those involved, 66 police personnel and 44 revenue officers/officials were apprehended. Moreover, 7 political leaders and 70 government officers/officials were booked in these cases.
During the ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, the Bureau has registered 103 criminal cases and 15 disproportionate assets cases. Within this period, special courts have decided 33 cases filed and contested by the VB, resulting in the conviction and sentencing of 43 officials. The VB has filed challans related to 181 vigilance cases across various courts during this period. Furthermore, 82 vigilance enquiries have also been initiated to conduct thorough investigations into corruption-related cases.