Jaipur, Oct 28 (IANS): The Rajasthan government has taken strict disciplinary action against 33 serving and retired officers over alleged corruption, collusion with the illegal sand mining mafia, financial irregularities and dereliction of duty. The action includes withholding salary increments for 17 serving officers and withholding or reducing pensions for 16 retired officials.

Source: IANS via Hi India

Following the resolution of 30 disciplinary cases involving major penalties, the government approved the withholding of two to four annual salary increments for 17 serving state government officers. Separate orders were issued to withhold or reduce the pensions of 16 retired officials found guilty of serious misconduct.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reiterated the state government's commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability under its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, the report said. The crackdown is aimed at holding officials accountable for misconduct and misuse of public resources even after retirement.

The action against serving officers mainly concerns cases involving alleged collusion with criminals and illegal miners, and negligence in police investigations. An inquiry found that a then Circle Officer had colluded with persons involved in illegal sand mining and criminal activities and had allegedly derived undue benefits; the government approved withholding four annual increments in that case.

Source: The World Opinion

In another criminal case, a then Circle Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector and a constable were found negligent in conducting a proper investigation, and disciplinary action, including withholding of annual increments, has been taken against them, the reports said.