In Kerala, revenue dept and LSGD are engaged in race to become first in corruption

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local self-government, which the public relies on the most, seems to be vying for the top rank in a corruption race with the revenue department. If revenue was ahead in corruption three years ago, in 2022 both the departments are similar. Last year, the LSGD was in the first place in terms of corruption. Out of 427 vigilance cases in 65 departments, 95 are in the local department. Revenue has 76 cases.

Efforts to strengthen domestic vigilance to track down the corrupt have not been successful. A few months ago, 5 people, including an assistant executive engineer, were suspended during the inspection conducted in the LSGD. Bribes are frequently caught during vigilance checks at Revenue, which has more than 18,000 employees. An e-literacy scheme is being implemented on revenue matters for people to avoid falling into the trap of employees. The announcement of lightning inspection in all village offices every three months was also wasted.

Corrupt people of the LSGD fill their pockets by giving permission to illegal buildings, not issuing building number, occupancy certificate and not taking timely decision on applications. Internal vigilance had found delays in the ILGMS software used to manage files in panchayats, paving the way for bribery. Rs 1.05 crore was seized from Palakkad's Palakkayam Village Field Assistant Suresh Kumar. In northern districts, revenue officials collect bribes of Rs 2000 to 3000 as a fee. Retired persons, middlemen and complainants are links of bribery mafia.

"Departmental action was taken against 281 revenue officers for corruption in seven years. Vigilance registered a case against 124 people. A charge sheet was issued against 155 people. 72 people were punished, " Revenue Minister K. Rajan said.

Cases

LSGD........................95

Revenue..........................76

Cooperation...................37

Domestic.....................22

Repair...................19

Health...................19

MVD...................16

(In two and a half years)

Most accused in LSGD

LSGD............................216

Cooperation...................165

Revenue..........................160

Repair........................56

Domestic........................47

MVD........................39

Forest...................................33

Education...................31

Health........................28

Supplyco......................20

Registration...................17

(5 year estimate)