Patna: District surveillance cells across Bihar have been directed to fast-track the resolution of surveillance-related cases under the anti-corruption law implemented last year. Addressing a workshop held at the Chief Secretariat’s convention hall on Wednesday, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Vigilance Department, urged officers to complete all pending surveillance investigations within two to three years.
Organised by the Vigilance Department, the workshop cum review meeting brought together officials from district vigilance cells and flying squad teams. Mr Chaudhary emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of all registered cases and swift action to ensure punishment of the guilty. He also called on officers to identify corrupt officials and initiate investigations into their disproportionate assets.
“District surveillance cells must act with complete alertness to ensure transparency in government functions,” he said. “Strict action should also be taken against brokers and middlemen operating in public offices to prevent harassment of the general public.”
During the session, officials presented detailed updates through PowerPoint presentations on anti-corruption monitoring and ongoing investigations. Legal experts shared guidance on the effective implementation of the Prevention of Corruption Act and related laws.
A major focus of the meeting was the activation of surveillance helpline numbers in all districts. Mr Chaudhary noted that in districts such as Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, Rohtas, Arwal and Purnia, the helpline numbers were not operational. He instructed concerned officials to rectify the issue in coordination with their respective district magistrates. District-level vigilance teams were also asked to conduct regular review meetings, file pending charge sheets promptly, and use the online portal for lodging and responding to complaints.
Jitendra Singh Gangwar, Director General of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, highlighted the importance of collaborative action by district-level Tri Shakti teams comprising police officers, magistrates and engineers. “This year alone, 14 actions have already been taken against corrupt public servants for traps, disproportionate assets, and abuse of position,” he said. “More such actions are expected in the coming months. District teams must be fully active and vigilant.”
ADG of the Special Vigilance Unit, Pankaj Kumar Darad, urged officials to strictly follow the new legal provisions and document all actions using modern surveillance equipment, including concealed cameras, to ensure credible digital evidence.
Among the senior officers present were DIGs S Premalatha, Naveen Chandra Jha, Vikas Kumar and Mrityunjay Kumar Chaudhary; Joint Secretary (Law) Anju Singh; Engineer-in-Chief (Planning) Raj Kumar; SPs JP Mishra, Subodh Kumar Vishwas, Md. Saifurr Rahman, Manoj Kumar and Bambam Chaudhary; and Law Officer Narendra Kumar Rai. The workshop was conducted by Joint Secretary Rama Shankar.
