The General Administration Department of the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken decisive action in response to corruption allegations levied against several civil service officers. In a move to uphold transparency and accountability within its ranks, the government has initiated a formal inquiry into the matter.
According to government order number 177-PW(R&B) of 2024 dated April 23, 2024, Regular Departmental Action (RDA) has been set in motion against Satish Bhagat, former Executive Engineer of PMGSY Division Poonch; Mohd Zabir, former Executive Engineer of PWD (R&B) Division, Rajouri and PMGSY Division, Rajouri; Rajesh Kumar Bhagat, former Executive Engineer of PMGSY Division, Rajouri; and Mehmood Ahmed, former Executive Engineer of PMGSY Division, Budhal.
This development follows a recommendation from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Srinagar, outlined in their previous communication dated June 22, 2023, urging the initiation of departmental action against the implicated officials.
In response, Er. Devi Dayal, Incharge Superintending Engineer from the R&B Circle in Rajouri, has been appointed as the designated Inquiry Officer tasked with delving into the allegations. Assisting in the proceedings, Er. Javid Iqbal, Executive Engineer in the PMGSY Division Poonch, will serve as the Presenting Officer.
The accused officers were served with articles of charge and statements of imputations detailing the allegations against them, to which they provided their respective replies. However, following a thorough examination of the responses, authorities have deemed it necessary to proceed with a formal inquiry.
Operating under the provisions of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules of 1956 and subsequent instructions, the Inquiry Officer is mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. A report containing specific recommendations must be submitted to the Administrative Department within 15 days from the issuance date of the order.
It is worth noting that any alterations in postings will not hinder the duties of the Inquiry and Presenting Officers during the investigation process. This measure underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing corruption allegations against public servants through established legal channels and due process. The outcome of the inquiry and subsequent actions taken could have significant ramifications for the implicated civil service members, underscoring the gravity of the situation at hand.
