CM pat for Odisha vigilance

Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi has lauded the Odisha vigilance directorate for its performance in enforcing the govt’s policy of zero tolerance towards corruption.Replying to a debate on the demand for grants for general administration (GA) department in the assembly on Wednesday, the chief minister emphasized that his govt has taken decisive action against corrupt practices and officials, noting that during his tenure, vigilance authorities registered 376 criminal cases against 640 employees, including 104 Class-I and 78 Class-II officers, and arrested 369 persons, among them 75 Class-I officers.Majhi highlighted the priority given to swift investigations and timely submission of chargesheets, pointing out that record number of convictions achieved last year. To further strengthen vigilance operations, the govt has initiated expansion and modernization measures. “My government has already initiated steps for further expansion and modernization. For improving the quality of investigation, govt has engaged 24 consultants—eight each specializing in IT, banking, and finance—to enhance the quality of investigations. Additionally, in-principle approval has been granted for creating 50 inspector posts and 50 sub-inspector posts,” Majhi said.On infrastructure development, Majhi said that approval has been made for constructing new office buildings for the vigilance cell and Lokayukta unit in Bhubaneswar. Plans are also underway for a state-of-the-art vigilance academy building with a hostel facility in the capital.