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In a first, Govt installing CCTV Cameras in public dealing offices

Will admin now succeed in its war against corruption?

Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 14: With the creation of Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is mulling to take series of innovative measures to rein in the corrupt practices which have been taking toll over the normal functioning of the dispensation.
Official sources have divulged that the government is likely to install CCTV cameras at important government offices wherein public dealing is done at large and the corruption related cases are witnessing a surge. There are reports coming to fore at present that the government in the past didnt take a single measure related to the project which was even go ahead even in the year 2017 by the then governor. "There wasn't any forward movement in terms of the implementation of the suggestions given by the anti-graft bodies of the erstwhile state in the past. Such non- seriousness encourages corrupt officials to step up their illicit actions," says a senior official.
Another official within the state dispensation divulged on the condition of anonymity that several heads different departments were acting as major roadblocks in the process and are foiling any measures of the government to tackle with the corruption menace. However, he said that at present the situation is going to be different in its entirety and there will be series of revolutionary measures taken to tackle the corrupt practices so far looming large in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources within the anti- corruption bureau revealed that there were various vital measures that the Government is mulling to take for enhancing transparent and accountable functioning of the various government departments.
There was a need felt of immediate digitization of revenue records. But, the project wasn't initiated at a larger level yet, making it difficult for the people to get their woes pertaining to the concerned department addressed on time. "The fact is that there are complaints of graft coming from the revenue department. The low rung officials are often found taking common people for a ride. What was needed was the digitization of the records- that hasn't been so far done despite government giving nod to it," says a Vigilance official.
Meanwhile, installation of CCTV cameras in government offices having public dealings is an important measure that the government is set to introduce to stop the corruption menace. "Not even a single major office with the public dealing has so far complied with the government order. The installation of the CCTVs continued to remain a distant dream," sources said.
Sources divulged further that other measures that were at threadbare discussed to tame the corruption include developing online mechanisms for payments by government departments; enforcing compliance of the Public Services Guarantee Act; grant of permissions, clearances and sanctions in individual cases to be made online; implementation of the Supreme Court's recommendations for promulgation of the New Police Act.
As per the reports, the government in order to ensure good governance in the newly created union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is introducing the CCTV camera system in the offices with emphasis that the graft related cases must witness a significant dip.