Imphal, November 17: The valedictory function of the Vigilance Awareness Week hosted by State Vigilance Commission from November 12 concluded at Hotel Imphal here today.

In his address, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh categorically stated that in Manipur retired Directors and Chief Engineers were effecting appointment and issuing work or supply order by back dating the orders.

Such actions are liable to be punished under the Manipur Public Servant Personal Liability Act.

The Chief Secretary further pointed out that there were instances of Govt employees not going to their place of posting and remaining at head offices and higher-ups not able to take up any action in this regard.

These were signs of weak administration, he slammed, adding that now-adays steps have been taken up to rectify these mistakes along with preparation of the list of the Government employees.

As around 4500 Government employees have not reported at the time of preparing MGEL and about 6200 pensioners at the time of computerisation of payment of pension, the State Government would be now able to save around Rs 70 to 78 crores annually, the Chief Secretary noted.

Blaming the State Govt for ineffectiveness of the functioning of the State Vigilance Commission, he noted that preventive vigilance is more important than inquiry vigilance.

The cases of prosecution under inquiry vigilance is still very few, he added.

Editor of Ereibak Irengbam Arun who spoke on the topic �Relationship between press and Vigilance Commission� observed that to convince the people effective functioning of the Commission is very important.

Inspite of rules for appointment of a retired Judge of the High Court or a sitting Judge as the Chairman of the Commission, no such arrangement has been put in place in Manipur, he pointed out.

Human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam who spoke on the topic of �Role of civic bodies in detecting vigilance related cases� said corruption and bribery is becoming an accepted norm in Manipur today.

Govt advocate Ng Tejkumar also spoke at the occasion on the topic of �Penal provisions applicable to vigilance cases�.

Comment