Crime branch of J&K Police to investigate JKPCC scams

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Apr 3 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said that it has decided to hand over a fact-finding report of ‘major scams’ in the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corp (JKPCC) to the crime branch of police, which will lodge an FIR in the case accordingly.
The crime branch will identify any irregularities in the award of contracts in the JKPCC and take necessary action as per law. “Based on the enquiry of the Crime Branch, further action against individuals will be taken,” the government in a press release said on Tuesday.
“This is a major step towards eradication of corruption, stopping and eliminating backdoor appointments and bringing in a culture of transparency, probity and efficiency in the organisation,” it said.
The government had constituted a three-member fact-finding committee with the state principal secretary (planning) at the helm to probe the alleged irregularities in connection with the functioning of the JKPCC.
There were allegations of irregularities in awarding contracts often on a nomination basis without following transparent tendering procedures, diverting funds from one project to another and appointments at various levels in the organisation.
The committee was tasked with looking into the alleged corruption in contracts, appointments at multiple levels including that of a managing director and excessive cost and time overruns.
The committee also gave recommendations on improving the organisation. (ANI)