In line with the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s commitment to eradicate corruption, the administration has launched the J&K Regular Departmental Action (RDA) portal. The portal, developed by Kashmir University, is designed to process and monitor disciplinary proceedings against Government employees. The primary goal of this portal is to facilitate the timely resolution of RDAs while preventing any loss of data related to disciplinary actions. It has built-in features to generate alerts when there are delays in the prescribed steps of disciplinary proceedings, ensuring that misconduct does not go unpunished and acting as a deterrent.
Jammu and Kashmir has long been plagued by allegations of corruption, and while the Government intends to take action against corrupt employees, the primary response has often been dismissal. The newly launched J&K RDA portal is focused on monitoring disciplinary proceedings initiated after corruption charges are established. However, it’s important to note that this portal addresses a critical aspect of the fight against corruption, which is holding individuals accountable for their actions within the Government system. One concern that has persisted is the absence of effective non-departmental actions, as departmental actions have not always led to the desired punitive or corrective measures. In some significant corruption cases where clear evidence of wrongdoing has been established by agencies like the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the recommended course of action has been limited to departmental proceedings. This has left the fate of these actions unclear, with information often not shared publicly. Additionally, as RDAs have remained pending for extended periods, some employees have even retired and continue to enjoy pension benefits.
The perception is that the system appears to be protecting the corrupt rather than holding them accountable. The new initiative by the administration aims to disrupt this pattern. It establishes structured accountability with fixed timelines for delivering results, automatically addressing any delays or laxity in the process. This action by the administration is in line with broader efforts to streamline governance and root out corruption.
The CS has directed new portal’s alignment with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines for handling disciplinary proceedings and its comprehensive repository of relevant materials for the reference of departments and officials are significant strengths of this initiative. By ensuring that all pertinent documents and information related to proceedings are uploaded, it aims to eliminate the issue of missing files and promote transparency. The one-month deadline given to upload existing pending RDA cases before commencing online monitoring is a practical step. This ensures that the system begins functioning effectively and efficiently once all relevant data is in place.
The use of apps and online portals to streamline administrative processes is a significant step towards creating a more transparent, accountable, and efficient Government system. It sets the stage for improved governance and better public service delivery. All these initiatives have collectively ushered in a new era of governance that prioritises transparency and accountability while striving to eliminate corruption. These initiatives are indeed commendable and hold the potential to make a substantial impact. Efforts are on as the fight against corruption is a continuous process, with many more innovative initiatives required to weed out the corrupt.
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