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Keep tabs on officials: L-G

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, AUG. 14 . Sending out a strong signal that he is against corruption and for transparency in public life, the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi, B.L. Joshi, has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Anti-Corruption Wing of the Delhi Government and the Vigilance Department to keep a close watch on officers to check corrupt practices and misuse of official position.

Refusing to comment on the recent arrest of the Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Ashok Jain, on the charge of accepting bribe, the Lieutenant-Governor said he would not comment on politicians but made it clear that corruption would not be tolerated. The various vigilance wings have been asked to nab corrupt officials even if they were holding senior positions.

Stating that he was a strong votary of the "trap'' method adopted by the various investigation agencies to catch people red-handed, he said: "It is the best strategy as it leads to the arrest of the person and his public humiliation sets an example for others.''

Talking to media persons on Friday, Mr. Joshi said he had made it clear to the Delhi Government and Delhi Development Authority officials that he wanted transparency in the functioning of the administration and accountability should to be fixed in case of any lapse. "If any wrong takes place, then that official has to be held accountable for that act. If those who benefit from corrupt practices were punished then those who created this situation would also have to pay for it. `'

Appreciating the drive against corruption launched by Delhi's Chief Secretary, S. Regunathan, the Lieutenant-Governor said it was a good effort that needed to be taken down to the grassroots. The field offices should also be covered under the anti-corruption drive if the situation was to change as a majority of public dealing takes place there.

Stating that bringing about change was a slow and steady process, Mr. Joshi said corruption in the Transport Department could only be tackled if the interface with the Department and its officials was reduced. The whole system of issuing driving licences should be revamped and decentralised as an example for others to follow, he added.

On the law and order situation in the Capital, Mr.Joshi said he had asked the police to study how best senior citizens could be served and what all could be done to intensify community policing. He said he had instructed the Police Commissioner, K.K. Paul, that any police personnel found to be involved in any unwanted activity should be put under suspension immediately pending inquiry.

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