Accountability Commission is the watchdog over corruption, bribery, nepotism and favouritism. That is what the Accountability Act provides. The Judges of the Commission are retired Chief Justice or Justice of the High Court who are supposed to be the standard bearers of honesty, fair deal and dispassionate justice to one and all.
But how come the State Accountability Commission has accepted the services of one Nazir Ahmad Thukar as the Secretary to this prestigious organization while he is under the scanner of the State Vigilance Organization. Previously as CEO of Verinag Development Authority, he was framed by the State Vigilance Organization for a scam of about 28 crore rupees. He was alleged to have shown special favour to some people by giving contracts to them in violation of rules and making purchases at exorbitant rates and other irregularities. The Accountability Commission should have asked for his antecedents before confirming his appointment to the vacant post of Secretary of the Commission even if the Government had included him in the panel of prospective candidates. It may be argued that there are examples with the Government wherein senior officers have been allowed to continue even when cases of corruption are pending against them. However, the point in this case is that Accountability Commission is a sensitive organization holding the trust of the people. They expect its functionaries from the top to the bottom to be the ideal organization of honesty and fair deal. If the Secretary of the Commission with such tainted antecedents is taken in by the Commission its fairness, honesty and cleanliness is compromised. It is surprising that despite known tarnished antecedents of this functionary no action has been taken either by the Government or by the Commission to dispense with his services. Will the Government take note of this telling irregularity or will it compromise on the integrity of the Accountability Commission is yet to be seen.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel