Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K Week evokes overwhelming response in district Kishtwar: People embrace fight against Corruption

DG Accounts & Treasuries, DC, SSP Kishtwar lead “Corruption Free J&K” Campaign at various places  

KISHTWAR, September 09: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is currently immersed in the “Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K Week,” celebration, a dedicated initiative spanning from September 4 to 10, 2023.

The week-long event is poised to make strides towards eradication of corruption, while fostering transparent and accountable governance in  the region.

 The district administration Kishtwar, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Devansh Yadav organised a series of impactful activities in synchronisation with the noble endeavor.

In an endeavor to promote the values of the campaign, a crucial meeting was convened today. This gathering brought together key stakeholders, including all the Treasury Officers, Account Officers and DDOs of District Kishtwar.

The primary objectives were to assess the functioning of treasuries and evaluate the progress of various developmental projects, particularly those related to water supply schemes within the district.

Mahesh Dass, Director General of Accounts & Treasuries, Finance Department chaired the meeting, which took place at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex Kishtwar, aimed to underscore the pivotal role of treasuries as the face of the Finance Department.

Dass provided valuable insights and urged all officers to diligently adhere to codal provisions, ensuring smooth and transparent treasury operations.

He emphasized the importance of strict compliance with the various orders, circulars, and directives issued by the Finance Department and DGAT.

During the meeting of treasury officers and account officers, Director General Accounts & Treasuries (DGAT), Mahesh Dass, fervently emphasized the paramount importance of fostering an environment of transparency and accountability as envisioned under the “Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K week”.  He aptly described treasuries as the epicenter for ushering in transparency in financial operations. Mr. Dass passionately articulated that by upholding the highest standards of integrity and adhering rigorously to codal provisions, the treasuries would become beacons of trust and reliability. He reiterated that transparency and accountability should be the guiding principles in every financial transaction, ensuring that public funds are managed with the utmost diligence and probity. His unwavering commitment to these ideals resonated throughout the meeting, inspiring all in attendance to strive for excellence in their roles.

Additionally, Mr. Dass championed the cause of raising awareness about treasury functions among students through dedicated camps in colleges and schools.

With an eye on the future, the DGAT emphasized the significance of computerization and online transactions within treasuries. He directed all Treasury Officers to promptly submit computerized accounts to the relevant authorities within stipulated timeframes.

The meeting also included a comprehensive review of performance indicators for various developmental works, with a specific focus on the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the status of filtration plants in the district.

Furthermore, as the Panchayat Prabhari of Lachkhazana, the DGAT actively listened to the concerns of local Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and pledged to prioritize their resolution during the “Corruption-Free J&K Week.”

To round off the day’s activities, Mr. Dass presided over an enlightening painting awareness campaign organized by the District Social Welfare Department. He lauded the efforts of students and  also distributed motorized tricycles among  the beneficiaries.

The meeting was attended by ADC Kishtwar Inderjeet Singh Parihar, Joint Director Planning Mohd. Iqbal, Chief accounts Officer Kishtwar Lokesh Kumar, DTO Fund Office Kishtwar, Tehsildar Kishtwar Muneeb Umar,O DC Office Kishtwar Imran Ahmed Kichloo besides other Drawing and Disbursing Officers.

In an instance here at TRC Chatroo, in a vibrant display of commitment to a corruption-free Jammu & Kashmir, today witnessed the commemoration of the Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K Week. The event was orchestrated by the Department of Rural Development Panchayati & Raj, Inderwal, in collaboration with Jal Shakti Officials, under the close management  of BDO Inderwal, Tasleem Wani.

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Local PRIs, SDM Chatroo Showkat Hayat Matoo, ACD Kishtwar Manoj Kumar, DSWO Kishtwar Zubair Ahmed Lone, Tehsildar Chatroo Suman Sharma, BDO Inderwal Tasleem Wani, SHO Chatroo Parwiaz Ahmed, and representatives from the Indian Army,all contributed to the event’s success.Scores of people from the adjoining areas participated the event with enthusiasm and zeal.

The highlight of the program was a painting competition themed “Corruption Free J&K,” which saw the enthusiastic participation of students from various schools in the Sub-Division of Chatroo. These young talents skillfully used their colors to convey the message of eradicating corruption and preventing its proliferation.Their commendable efforts were rewarded with trophies and certificates.

In a solemn moment, DC Kishtwar administered the Bhrashtachar Mukt Pledge to all participants, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.

DC alongside other officials, toured the stalls set up by various departments and SHG members of JKRLM showcasing government schemes, Anti-Corruption Acts, online services, and related apps aimed at promoting transparency and accountability among the public. To further enhance accessibility, also Complaint Desks was established by these Departments, enabling immediate registration of grievances.

In a knowledge-sharing segment, officers and field functionaries shed light on various online services and digital applications, including Jan Bhagidaari portal etc educating the public on technological interventions designed to instill transparency and accountability in government operations.

The event provided a platform for PRIs to voice their concerns, with DC and concerned officers promptly addressing and resolving many grievances. Emphasis was placed on swift redressal as a fundamental component of responsible administration, equating delays in grievance resolution to a form of corruption.

DC articulated the core objective of the week-long celebration: to sensitize both citizens and government officials to anti-corruption laws, fostering transparent and accountable practices within government offices.

PRIs shared their perspectives on corruption’s detrimental effects and lauded the UT Government’s anti-corruption measures, particularly the benefits of online services, in promoting transparent and accountable governance.

They commended the “Hello Kishtwar” initiative by the District Administration Kishtwar, offering a means for the public to voice grievances via phone, making grievance redressal more affordable, transparent, accessible, and accountable.

Concluding the event, DC accompanied by officials, inspected the Mushroom Tent at TRC, encouraging the expedited progress of this facility that promises to enhance the visitor experience during tourism visits.

Meanwhile, in a concerted effort to fortify the principles of transparency and accountability, an enlightening awareness session was conducted at the Conference Hall of the DC Office in Kishtwar.

This session, dedicated to highlighting specifics of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, 2018, and the complexities of Criminal Misconduct, was presented by the distinguished Senior Superintendent of Police,(SSP) Kishtwar  Khalil Ahmed Poswal. This initiative seamlessly aligned with the ongoing “Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K Week” celebration, underscoring the commitment to eradicate corruption.

The event witnessed the presence of key figures, including ADC, Inderjeet Singh Parihar; ACR, Varunjeet Singh Charak, alongside other District officers and stakeholders, who actively participated in this illuminating session.

SSP Khalil Ahmed Poswal, with his vast expertise, gave a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation that delved deep into the topics of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, 2018, and Criminal Misconduct.

Through this session, he provided invaluable insights into various facets of these critical subjects including peculiarities of conducting internal audits and holding departmental enquiries so as to effectively penalise the erring officials.

One of the primary highlights of the presentation was the elucidation of the intricate processes and procedures involved in departmental inquiries.

Attendees gained a profound understanding of the evolution of laws, tracing the legal landscape’s development in addressing issues of corruption and misconduct.

SSP Poswal also shed light on the essential amendments made to the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 in 2018. These amendments have played a pivotal role in strengthening the legal framework against corruption and enhancing the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. His elucidation on these amendments helped the audience grasp the contemporary aspects of the law.

Throughout the session, attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, seeking clarifications and gaining deeper insights into the critical subject matter. The interactive nature of the event fostered a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging active participation from officers and stakeholders alike.

The significance of such awareness sessions can never be understated, especially during the “Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K Week” celebration. By equipping officers and stakeholders with knowledge about anti-corruption laws and procedures, the event aims to fortify the foundations of transparent governance and accountable conduct.

Such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against corruption, nurturing a culture of integrity and responsibility within the government and society at large.

As the “Bhrashtachar Mukt J&K Week” continues, these efforts to educate and raise awareness promise to be instrumental in building a corruption-free future, where transparency and accountability prevail as guiding principles in governance and public service.