Corrupt officials would be punished severely: J&K minister

Jammu: Issuing a stern warning to officials indulging in corrupt practices, including misappropriation of government funds, the Jammu and Kashmir government has said such actions will invite severe punishment. "The state government will not tolerate such actions and anybody found indulging in corrupt practices will be punished severely," Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan said here. Ramzan, who was chairing a review meeting of the CA&PD department yesterday, said, "Stringent action would be initiated against those who are involved in misappropriation of government ration and funds." The recovery process from officials who have caused losses to the exchequer should be intensified, he said, and directed the Directors of the CA&PD to further streamline the distribution of essential commodities in the state. He stressed the need for strengthening the monitoring mechanism to achieve better results and asked for constitution of special squads to oversee the supply of essential items, especially in rural areas during the winter season. Ramzan directed them to maintain close liaison with FCI and oil companies to ensure timely supply of essentials. The issue of implementation of the Food Security Act, which has been enacted by the Centre, was also discussed. He directed for completing the exercise at the earliest. While reviewing the status of the State Consumer Rights Commission, the minister issued instructions to the CA&PD secretary for its strengthening to achieve set objectives. Maintaining that the State Consumer Rights Commission is an important institution which is mandated to safeguard the interests of consumers, he said, the government would take all steps to make it more vibrant. He directed officials for activating the existing Grievances Cells and redress complaints of the consumers on priority basis.