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JAMMU, JAN 28: Taking cognizance of the reports of misuse of official position as seal and an exclusive investigative report published by this reporter under caption ‘RBA certificates put on sale in Thathri; even no competent authority to put seal’, SDM Bhaderwah has seized the records of tehsil office Thathri and initiated an inquiry.
The action was taken on the directions of DC Doda, who have directed SDM Bhaderwah to conduct the inquiry and submit the report within three days. While talking to this reporter, DC Doda said that strict action against those found guilty will be taken and also indicated that to break the ‘well established’ nexus of revenue employees in tehsil office Thathri, a major reshuffle can be ordered soon which will be a step in the interest of administration.
However, DC Doda added that he has written to government, to send officers of Tehsildar level for Doda and Thathri tehsil offices as both these offices are without Tehsildar for the last few months and the working is being affected as well as people are suffering. DC Doda mentioned that once the new officer takes the charge which will take maximum of 10 days, the vigil on employees will be enhanced to ensure fair working in the offices.
Replying a query, DC said that the officer was asked to look after the routine office work but issuing Category Certificates was not in his competence. “We are verifying the reports and action under law will be initiated against those responsible”, he added.
SDM Bhaderwah, Kalyan Singh, when contacted, confirmed that during the preliminary inquiry, it has been established that about five Category Certificates have been issued by the officer, which he has done in gross violation of the set norms and crossed all the limits but there is no fault of applicants.
SDM said, “I think that the officer was not aware of his jurisdiction,” and added that I will submit the report to concerned authorities and it is up to the government to decide on action.
Relevent to mention here that this reporter after investigations had reported in its January 27th issue that the staff of Tehsil office Thathri has surpassed all the previous records of corruption and misuse of official powers. All the set norms and procedures were being thrown to winds, as an officer, who was not competent to issue Category certificates was issuing these. Those employees responsible for issuing these certificates have also played with the career of those youth, who had acquired these certificates and now are applying for different government jobs and competitions like KAS. As per the law, all such certificates issued by non-competent authority are invalid.
The only competent authority, who can issue Category Certificates, is Tehsildar and for the last over four months the post is lying vacant. Due to non-availability of competent officer, youth who are aspiring to fill the KAS forms are suffering, as the last date for filling forms is nearing and the office is still without the competent authority.
Though the records have been seized and inquiry has been initiated but the question still raises, will the authorities be able to break the nexus of revenue employees and ensure a corruption free, fair and transparent working in the office or like as seen in the past, the inquiry reports will be affixed in files and kept in office drawers?
This is high time for the authorities to prove themselves as the Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah has given them free hand to ensure transparent administration.
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