Crackdown fails to pierce thick skin of corrupt employees
At a time when awareness regarding the need to weed out corruption is increasing among the public
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: At a time when awareness regarding the need to weed out corruption is increasing among the public, a section of government employees is still sticking to the earlier mindset of demanding bribes to settle legitimate issues. This is evident from the fact that government employees are getting arrested on a daily basis in bribery cases.
In keeping with the recent trend, two forest personnel – Kamini Narzary and Prabin Brahma – under the Kachugaon Forest Division under the Gossaigaon Police Station were arrested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (V&AC) branch on Friday for demanding a bribe of Rs 35,000 to settle a matter.
In the last one month alone, around 30 government employees, including policemen, have been arrested by the V&AC branch in graft cases.
According to V&AC sources, the positive aspect is that most of the arrests have been made on the basis of feedback received from members of the public. The V&AC has been laying traps on the basis of public complaints and catching the miscreants red-handed, the sources said, adding that complaints from the public regarding demand for bribes by government employees were few and far between in earlier times.
A V&AC officer said, "It is unfortunate that the mindset of some government employees has not changed for the better despite the ongoing campaign against corrupt practices."
It is pertinent to mention that a few days ago, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had mentioned that corruption among government employees has been reduced, but not eliminated. Sarma had asserted that the government's crusade against corruption will continue until the menace is removed altogether. Significantly, the Chief Minister had appealed to members of the public to immediately inform the V&AC if any government employee demands any illegal gratification from them. He urged them not to enter into any financial deal with corrupt government employees and lodge a complaint instead, so that corruption can be eradicated from society.
Also Read: Lat Mandal of Patharighat Revenue Circle in Darrang district arrested for graft
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