Punjab Vidhan Sabha Committee, tasked with scrutinizing the operations of the co-operative department during the fiscal year 2023-24, has presented a comprehensive report shedding light on systemic irregularities plaguing the department.
Headed by Gurpreet Singh Banawali of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the committee’s exhaustive investigation culminated in a series of recommendations aimed at addressing deep-rooted issues undermining financial integrity.
Central to the committee’s findings is the urgent need for a time-bound inquiry into embezzlements and mismanagement within the department. Highlighting instances of financial malfeasance, the committee underscores the failure to initiate appropriate action against culpable officials, despite previous calls for criminal proceedings.
This glaring lapse in accountability has allowed many accused individuals to evade justice, some even fleeing the country.
Moreover, the committee’s report reveals a staggering amount of outstanding financial recovery, amounting to crores of rupees, owed by employees implicated in fraudulent activities.
Shockingly, efforts to recoup these losses have been conspicuously absent, with no measures taken to withhold salaries or pensions of those responsible. This lack of financial accountability not only perpetuates a culture of impunity but also poses a significant threat to the financial stability of the department.
In addition to addressing past transgressions, the committee advocates for the implementation of robust internal communication systems to preempt future instances of financial misconduct.
By fostering transparency and accountability, such measures aim to instill greater public trust in the department’s operations while serving as a deterrent against fraudulent activities.
Furthermore, the committee’s scrutiny extends to the chief vigilance officer’s office, which has been found wanting in its effectiveness in tackling embezzlement cases. This underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen oversight mechanisms and streamline investigative processes.
The gravity of the situation is further underscored by the committee’s revelation regarding the precarious state of various departmental wings, which are on the brink of closure due to the pervasive impact of financial fraud.
The report’s assertion regarding the deletion of thousands of entries in the records of Primary Cooperative Agricultural Development Banks paints a grim picture of potential land mismanagement or unauthorized transactions, further exacerbating the department’s woes.
In conclusion, the committee’s recommendations serve as a clarion call for immediate and concerted action to root out corruption, enhance financial accountability, and safeguard the integrity of the co-operative department. Failure to heed these warnings risks irreparable damage to public trust and the financial well-being of the department and its stakeholders.