Gujarat Govt. to introduce new bill for corrupt officials

Gandhinagar : It’s time for the Babus in the government offices and departments in Gujarat to mend their ways from corruption. In a significant move aimed at curbing corruption, the Gujarat Government is poised to introduce the Gujarat Special Court Bill on the final day of the ongoing monsoon session in the state assembly. This proposed legislation seeks to implement stringent measures and establish special courts dedicated to expediting legal proceedings against corrupt officials.

Official sources within the Gujarat government have indicated that the new bill will empower authorities to take decisive actions against corrupt individuals. Under this framework, corrupt officials will face custodial charges, with investigations to be led by police officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police. The focus will be on thorough inquiries into properties acquired under suspect circumstances, either in the name of the accused or their associates. In cases involving private companies, shares suspected to have been obtained through corrupt means will be subject to acquisition by the State Government.

Crackdown on Corruption

Instances of bribery among government officials in Gujarat have reportedly involved investments in lavish properties, gold, and other assets. Notable cases, such as those involving former Surat district collector Ayush Oak and Rajkot town planner Manoj Sagathia, highlight the widespread issue of disproportionate wealth accumulation among public servants.

Upon filing cases related to disproportionate assets, implicated officials will be subject to legal proceedings concerning their confiscated properties. The government intends to enforce stringent bail regulations to prevent easy releases for accused officials while their cases are pending. Additionally, measures are set to target individuals who use proxies to acquire assets, a practice aimed at circumventing legal scrutiny.

Public Vigilance and Action

Highlighting the proactive stance against corruption, the Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) remains vigilant and urges citizens to report instances of bribery promptly. A toll-free helpline, 1064, has been established to facilitate anonymous reporting of bribery incidents. Citizens are encouraged to provide detailed information about the officer involved and the location, enabling the ACB to effectively investigate and apprehend offenders.