CONTAINING CORRUPTION
There is no doubt that in erstwhile State of J&K, there was a free for all situation as far as corruption was concerned because everyone in the region was bound to pay bribes for the jobs being accomplished by those who were in power. The situation was so grim and pathetic that people have accepted this norm and were used to of illegal gratification which was rampant and omniscient. Things however started changing as soon as PM Narendra Modi took over the reins of the country in 2014 as special instructions were given to anti-graft bodies to contain the culture of paying bribes for small and big jobs being accomplished by officials, who shamelessly misused their official positions to get the extra bucks. As the time passed, the Modi Government took hold of everything in the erstwhile state and has waged a war against corruption. After August 5, 2019, the things were changed for the betterment of the people of J&K, which was transformed into Union Territory and the anti-graft bodies were given teeth to end the scourge of dishonesty from the soil. The endeavour by the Modi Government is still on as the ailment of corruption in J&K is very old and deep rooted. In the same context, the Government prematurely retired 36 police personnel on charges of their involvement in corruption and criminal activities. Reportedly, these personnel conducted their duties in ways which were unbecoming of public servants and in violation of the established code of conduct. It has been learnt that the stringent action taken against the aforesaid cops was because of poor performance, and their continuation in the Government service was found against the public interest. This is a clear cut message to others also indulging in such practices and taking things lightly in this regard. One thing is sure that Modi Government’s focus is on J&K and any kind of delinquency by the officials or even by the private persons having potential to harm the region will not be tolerated and the action on 36 cops is the live example of the same.