ACB toothless, no official convicted in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: As Assam cracks whip on corrupt officials in connection with various scams, Meghalaya is yet to witness conviction of any official because the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) monitored by the chief secretary remains toothless. Adding to the laxity is the delay in making the Meghalaya Lokayukta functional.
As far as Assam is concerned, the chief minister’s special vigilance cell has been formed to take action against corrupt officials.
However, sources said similar exercise is yet to see the light of the day in Meghalaya.
As per the official data, though more than eight cases were registered and investigated after the formation of Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) almost 20 years ago under the State CID and monitored by the chief secretary as head of the State Vigilance Commission, no official was convicted. Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1998, the Anti-Corruption Branch of the CID investigates corruption cases in the state.
Though a few cases were charge sheeted and under trial, there was not a single conviction.
The role of ACB headed only by a deputy superintendent of police under the CID is limited as it is not an independent body to carry out investigation.
An official source said the Political Department has to direct the head of ACB to initiate inquiry and the report will have to be submitted to the same department that will decide whether to proceed with legal action, including filing of FIR.
The role of the chief secretary as the state vigilance commissioner is that he just monitors the progress of inquiry.
However, sources added that in the absence of either an independent anti-corruption body like Lokayukta or an active ACB, transparency and accountability cannot be ensured.