Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has assured the political will to fight against corruption in Nagaland.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the 1st North East Conference of Heads’ of Vigilance and Anti -Corruption Bureaux on ‘Anti-corruption, difficulties and challenges’ in Kohima on Friday; Rio said the Government is doing everything possible to check corruption.
Stating that the vigilance commission alone cannot fight against corruption, he said it required collective effort and the involvement of all stakeholders.
Rio felt that Right to Information Act is an effective weapon in fighting corruption. In a small way, he said, ‘we all have to contribute to make a corruption free country.’
He cited principles of ethics, integrity, responsibility, respect and fear of the law, respect for others and discipline as facets required to eradicate corruption.
Rio said that the Nagaland State Vigilance was doing a commendable job. He informed that in 2000, they had saved Rs. 12 crore by checking 2378 bogus pensioners; while Rs. 58 Lakh was saved on house building advance loan.
He further said that the department detected the pension scam in 2004, thereby saving Rs. 6 Crores and another Rs. 4.50 Lakhs by checking the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) in 2008.
Stating that bogus appointment of teachers is a big problem in Nagaland, he said 2519 bogus teachers were detected, thereby saving Rs. 60 crore annually.
Earlier, R. Sri Kumar, vigilance commissioner, Central Vigilance Commission, Delhi said a parliamentary standing committee looking into development of North East region, had in its report for the year 2011-11 recommended that there should be a separate wing of the central vigilance commission, exclusively for the north eastern region to oversee proper utilization of public funds for NER projects from the vigilance angle.
The recommendation is yet to be implemented. The Conference resolved that, A regional committee of heads of the ACBx of NE states. Sister agencies like CBI, ED and IT be made members of the committee. Annual conference of heads of anti corruption bureau on rotational basis in state capitals. Copy of resolution be sent to Government of India with request to provide funds for such conference. Committee recommends that the next conference be held at Guwahati, Assam. Technical expertise on emerging technologies be imparted to investigating officers. Special Incentive Allowance at 25 per cent of the basic pay recommended for the offic
