Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday issued a strong warning against corruption, stating that those who seek to accumulate wealth through illegal means or shortcuts should expect to end up in Beur Jail. He said no individual, irrespective of their position, would be exempt from legal action if found involved in corrupt practices.
The Chief Minister was addressing a programme organised to mark Bihar Vigilance Awareness Day, where he also inaugurated the state’s first Bihar Vigilance Awareness Week. The week-long campaign aims to raise public awareness about corruption and promote accountability across Bihar.
No One Above the Law
Samrat Choudhary said the government would take strict action against anyone found amassing wealth through illicit means or engaging in corruption. He stressed that the law would apply equally to leaders, ministers, MLAs and government officials.
He said that nearly 80 years after Independence, Bihar was launching a comprehensive public campaign against corruption for the first time to encourage greater public participation in the fight against graft.
‘Triple-T’ to Guide Governance
The Chief Minister said the Bihar government would strengthen its administrative system around the principles of Technology, Transparency and Trust, which he described as the foundation of good governance.
According to him, greater use of technology would improve transparency in government functioning and strengthen public confidence in state institutions. He also praised the Vigilance Department for its efforts and called for stronger enforcement against corruption.
Strengthening State Agencies
Samrat Choudhary said Bihar already has dedicated agencies, including the Vigilance Department, Special Units and the Economic Offences Unit, to investigate corruption and financial crimes.
He said these institutions should become sufficiently effective to minimise the need for intervention by external agencies. Officials were directed to ensure impartial action wherever complaints of corruption are received, without any outside influence or pressure.
30-Day Deadline for Complaint Resolution
Highlighting administrative accountability, the Chief Minister said complaints against government officials must be resolved within 30 days.
He said that if an official passes an incorrect order, citizens can approach the officer’s superior for redressal, and the matter must be settled within the prescribed time limit.
The Chief Minister added that complaints relating to corruption in block offices and police stations would receive special attention. Senior officials would be held accountable for ensuring timely action so that poor and vulnerable citizens receive justice without unnecessary delay.
