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| Corrupt do not spare widows, destitutes' | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Oct 2 : Even as the government claims that it was fighting corruption, the officials at the social welfare department have allegedly fixed rates for clearing assistance in favour of widows, elderly and the destitute. A group of aggrieved applicants for assistance under various schemes at the department's Tehsil Office in Srinagar said that the Tehsil Officer demanded kickbacks against clearing their cases.
The applicants that include widows and orphans said the officer is engaged in under table business and deserving applicants are refused the assistance on one pretext or the other. "I applied before the officer for special fund assistance but he asked me to contact his peon who in turn demanded a bribe of Rs 2,000 in order to get the case cleared", said Hajra Bano, an applicant. She alleged that the officer's peon is working as his agent, beneficiaries like her are fleeced in broad day light.
Another applicant Abdul Aziz had applied for old age fund three months back and was shocked to learn that he needs to pay money for getting the allocation. "My sole son expired two years ago. I'm too weak to work and went to him (Officer) with the application of issuance of old age fund in my favour. I was shocked when his peon asked me to pay Rs 1,000 to get my work done", Aziz said. When asked whether or not he contacted the officer to complain against the peon, he said, "It was the officer who asked me to contact his peon to get my application approved, and it would be foolish to complain against the peon" he replied.
"Officer's bribe list is open, Rs 1,000 is to be paid for the widow and orphan cases", said one Abdur Raheem. He said that the officer is encouraging corruption publicly. Government is making claims of eradicating corruption, I am surprised how an officer can indulge in corruption right under the nose of authorities", said Raheem.
When contacted, the Director Department of Social Welfare Bashir Ahmad Bhat, e said that no such complaints have been brought to his notice "If any person has such complaints he should contact me. I assure strict action under the law", the Director said.
Pertinently, same allegations were made against the former Tehsil Officer of Srinagar in March 2012 who was immediately transferred from the post.
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