Tahir Mushtaq
JAMMU, Nov 21: At a time when the government is making tall claims of eradication corruption in the government departments, tainted officials against whom there are pending cases of corruption in Crime Branch and Vigilance department, are running the show at Horticulture, Planning and Marketing(HP&M ) Department in Jammu and Kashmir.
Even both the officials have figured in the tainted officials list of Legislative Assembly during the past three years but despite clear cases of corruption against them they continue to take part in policy decisions of the department.
Sources said that despite involvement of these officials in the embezzlement of crores of rupees, they have been given important assignments owing to their proximity with some ministers. Deputy Director, Kashmir, M.S Teli, has pending vigilance case against him for withdrawal of salary to the tune of Rs 6 lakh at a time against the post of Deputy Director and General Manager, Kashmir Fruit Federation (KFF).
But despite proven case of fraud no action has been taken against him so far.
“Though after the department inquiry, he returned back the money but despite committing fraud and misuse of position, he was allowed to go scot-free and even continues to enjoy power and authority in the department”, said a source.
If sources are to be believed, Crime Branch and Vigilance Department is also holding inquiry against Teli in alleged bungling in the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Sources said that for last six months his promotion for the post of Joint Director is pending as the higher authorities, considering his tainted record, is not issuing the mandatory Integrity Certificate ”, they alleged.
Similarly, Assistant Director, Shakuat Ahmed Khan, who also holds a key position in the department, is under scanner of crime branch and vigilance for his alleged role in misuse of public money during his posting. A senior officer alleged that there are Directions from the Administrative Department not to give any important assignment to Shaukat Ahmed Khan, but he has been given key role in organizing ongoing Fruit Mela, in Jammu , besides other important assignments in the general functioning of the department.
As per the rules any official against whom there are allegations of corruption should not be allowed to take part in decision making but in case of these two officials, rules and regulations are being floated, clearly exposing the hollow claims of fight against corruption.
“Even the eye brows have been raised on the recently held fruit mela organised in Jammu, where fruits brought directly from the farmers were sold at higher prices. They were sold much above the market rate starting from Rs 60 to Rs 200. If these are brought from the cultivators directly, then why these are being sold at such high rates. The purpose of the whole show is doubtful”, alleged an official.
However, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Muhammad Javed Khan said that the vigilance department has given No Objection Certificate (NoC) to both the officers.
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