The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘Honest officers can’t be influenced’

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Monday, Mar 17, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Honest officers can’t be influenced’

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: The former Additional Chief Secretary Chiranjeev Singh has asserted that no unethical forces either in politics or in bureaucracy can pressurise and influence any officer with character, integrity and commitment.

Mr. Singh made this observation at the “Maneyangaladalli Matukate”, a monthly interactive programme organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture here on Saturday.

Replying to questions on the plight of honest officers at the hands of corrupt bureaucracy and politicians, he said that neither of them could dare influence or pressurise the officers known for their integrity and commitment. Such officers were always prepared to get transferred within short notice. It was basically a question of common sense, as vested interests did exchange information about such officers well before the transfers were effected. And the public too was aware of the diligence and devotion of the officers being posted and respond to them in a deserving manner. “I have also seen and interacted with several politicians known for their integrity ”, he said.

“During my over three decades of service no one pressurised me. I have faced difficult situations. I served in Mandya district as Deputy Commissioner. I had heard people saying that it was a challenge to serve in Mandya district, and now it looks like Hassan district has earned that distinction,” Mr. Singh said.

He recited the poems he had written in English and Punjabi on the geographical and historical richness of Punjab and Karnataka.

But repeated interventions and misinterpretation of Mr. Singh’s poetry by an officer who shared the podium attracted comments from the audience after the session concluded.

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