528 corruption complaints, 81 RDAs with H&UD Deptt;SVC for time-bound action against wrongdoers

STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Chief Vigilance Commissioner (SVC) Kuldeep Khoda on Wednesday sought time bound completion in the investigation of corruption related cases in Jammu and Kashmir, saying none of the case should be left without action.
The direction came in the wake of review of action taken on 528 complaints and 81 RDAs (Regular Departmental Actions), forwarded by the Commission to the H&UD Department for action.
The SVC was chairing a joint meeting of Commission and the officers of Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department, which reviewed the status of Regular Department Actions (RDAs) and other corruption related complaints.
Stressing on the need for early vacating of stay orders given by various Courts of Law in different cases under investigation with the Vigilance Organisation, the CVC said that a senior officer should approach the Registry of the Court and ensure that the cases are listed early so that these are heard and further action is taken as per order of the Court.
Emphasizing upon the administrative departments and heads of the offices for taking early action against officials against whom RDA has been recommended, it was made clear that the Vigilance Organisation has submitted enough evidence against the involved officials and charges established for proceeding against them after serving charge sheet. Expressing dismay over the modus operandi adopted by some officers in disposing off the RDAs, the CVC said that action against wrongdoers should be taken in a time bound manner.
Regarding land encroachment, the CVC asked Managing Director, J and K Housing Board to take all necessary measures for protecting the Housing Board land. He said the stay obtained by the encroachers needs to be vacated from the Court of Law so that the land is utilised for public purposes.
Describing maintenance of parks and other facilities developed by Housing Board, SMC, JMC and ULBs, a perpetual process, the CVC suggested for consideration collection of usage charges from the users but underlined need for making collecting system people friendly with facility of making advance e-payments. He said this will create sense of belongingness among the people and induce them to safeguard the facilities rather damaging them.
Responding to a point raised by Director Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir regarding the illegal appointments made in Municipal Committees, from time to time, the Chief Vigilance Commissioner said that all the appointments or engagements should be made in accordance with the relevant recruitment rules of the department. He said where recruitment rules are not available for any category of posts the officers should follow the guidelines of the CSR thereby ensuring that constitutional rights of the citizens guaranteeing equal opportunities in employment are safeguarded.
The meeting was told that out of 477 complaints received by H and UD Department, 75 pertain to Administrative Department, 90 to JMC, 128 to SMC, 34 to ULBJ, 79 ULBK, 24 JDA, 4 SDA, 6 Housing Board, 23 LAWDA and 14 to UEED. It was also given out that 21 cases have been closed while 119 complaints are under process.
Regarding 81 RDAs, the Commissioner H&UD Department assured the Commission that action taken report would be submitted within fifteen days.
Among others, Vigilance Commissioner, Dr. R.K Jerath, Commissioner Secretary H&UD Department, Hardesh Kumar, MD J&K Housing Board, Vice Chairmen, SDA/JDA, AIG (P) Vigilance Organisation, Chief Engineer, UEED, Commissioner, JMC, Director, ULB, Kashmir, Additional Secretary, SVC and other senior officers from SMC, ULB and SVC were present in the meeting.