THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An analysis of local self-government department (LSGD) reports and assembly records showed that though the department is busy with file adalats, online
services and plan implementation to ensure better services; it is still facing an uphill task when it comes to combating corruption.
LSGD has earned the tag of having the highest number of
officials against whom action was initiated for corruptionrelated complaints. State government had acted against 150 officials from 24 departments over corruption charges since 2016; of which 35 were from various departments under LSGD. Revenue came second with 33 officials.
Between 2016 and 2017, 141 officials with LSGD (engineering) faced disciplinary action following complaints of corruption. Seven of them were reinstated in service in 2017.
‘For the People’ — the online grievance redressal system launched by LSGD where information related to self-government institutions regarding nepotism, undue delay in getting a service or corruption can be uploaded— has received 931 complaints, of which 727 have been resolved.
Department-wise analysis of complaints shows that the highest number of complaints came up against the department of panchayat (717 complaints in two years) while 115 complaints were raised against the urban affairs directorate. Only one complaint was received against town and country planning, the least among the lot.
Corruption-related complaints against LSGD officials from various departments have been on the rise despite the department's continued insistence on ensuring a corruption-free working environment in offices.
Panchayat director P Marykutty said that all complaints on the online redressal system are properly monitored. “We will consider why so many complaints have come up against the panchayat department and there will be special review. We have been closely following each complaint,” she said. Of the 717 complaints received against panchayat department, 616 complaints were resolved.
LSGD minister K T Jaleel was unavailable for comment, but his office said that reports on action against corrupt officials are constantly monitored. “LSGD is very strict when it comes to acting against corruption. It is a fairly large department which naturally accounts for the huge number of complaints. However, we have been introducing people-friendly measures like online building permits to wipe out corruption. We had also conducted adalats to dispose pending files thus ending chances of corruption,” said officials in the minister’s office.
They added that not every complaint should be treated as corruption.
“There could be cases in which complaints surface because of delay in service delivery,” officials said.
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