JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 26 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the initiation of regular departmental proceedings against Mubarak Ahmad Ganie, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), PWD (R&B) Division Sopore, in connection with a corruption case registered against him under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to an order issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, the decision to initiate departmental action has been taken in view of the allegations levelled against the officer and the criminal case pending in the matter.
Mubarak Ahmad Ganie is presently serving as an Assistant Executive Engineer in the PWD (R&B) Division, Sopore. The case relates to an FIR registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following which the department has initiated separate administrative proceedings against the officer.
As per the departmental order, the regular inquiry will examine the allegations, the circumstances surrounding the registration of the case and whether any violation of service rules, conduct rules or other applicable provisions has taken place.
The proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the prescribed departmental procedure, with the inquiry expected to establish the relevant facts and determine the officer’s responsibility, if any, under the applicable service rules.
The Government’s action comes as part of the established disciplinary mechanism for dealing with allegations of misconduct, corruption and violations of official conduct involving government employees.
Officials, however, clarified that departmental proceedings and criminal proceedings are separate legal processes. The initiation of a departmental inquiry does not, by itself, establish the guilt of the officer. The allegations will remain subject to due process and the final outcome of the proceedings.
The PWD (R&B) Department has accordingly directed that regular departmental action be initiated against the concerned engineer in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.
The development comes amid the administration’s continuing focus on accountability, transparency and adherence to service rules in the functioning of government departments.(KNC)