Jammu, March 9:
In a significant push toward a transparent and accountable administration, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated the new Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Headquarters at Sidhra, Jammu, alongside the new ACB APKS Branch in Awantipora.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor framed the new infrastructure as more than just physical assets. “These two buildings are not merely structures of steel, glass, and concrete; they stand as a bold declaration of transparency in public life and a corruption-free Union Territory,” he stated.
A Pivotal Juncture for J&K
Reflecting on the past five to six years, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the shift toward a governance model dedicated to public service rather than the interests of a select few. He credited the “faceless mechanism” introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for significantly reducing corruption in government processes and eliminating bureaucratic delays.
“J&K no longer settles for mediocrity or the ordinary. It now dares to dream big. Among our people, a firm belief has taken root that a golden future lies ahead,” LG Sinha remarked.
Key Directives to the ACB
During the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor issued a clear mandate to the ACB officers, emphasizing that their work must stand firm under the scrutiny of the courts. His directives focused on three pillars:
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Inter-Agency Collaboration: Recognizing that modern corruption spans digital networks, he called for “maximum collaboration” between agencies to ensure that critical information is shared in time to solve complex cases.
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Speedy Investigations: Stressing that “delayed justice actively undermines outcomes,” the LG urged the Bureau to eliminate procedural delays to ensure that corruption cases are resolved swiftly.
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Daily Self-Audit: He called upon the officers to practice a “daily self-audit” of their work to maintain and strengthen the public’s hard-earned trust in the institution.
Corruption as an “Assault on Humanity”
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the address was the LG’s redefinition of corruption. He argued that it should not be viewed merely as an abstract financial crime against the state.
“Corruption is not merely a loss of public money; it is the opportunity stolen from youth, the security snatched from a family, and the injustice inflicted on an elderly member of society,” the Lieutenant Governor said. “We must recognize that it is a direct assault on the lives of living human beings.“
Bolstering Field Operations
The newly inaugurated APKS Branch in Awantipora is a strategic addition, designed to cater to the ACB Police Station in Anantnag, covering all districts of South Kashmir. This move is expected to drastically improve the Bureau’s reach and efficiency in handling complaints at the grassroots level.
Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Shri Shakti Kumar Pathak, briefed the attendees on how the enhanced infrastructure will provide a more professional environment for vigilance operations. The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo and various senior administrative and police leadership.
As J&K continues its developmental journey, the strengthened ACB stands as a sentinel, ensuring that the fruits of progress reach every citizen fairly and without the blight of corruption.
