In a significant move to intensify the fight against graft, the newly appointed chief of Punjab's State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Arshinder Singh Chawla, has issued a clear mandate for a technologically advanced and uncompromising approach. During a crucial review meeting held at the ACB headquarters in Chandigarh on Tuesday, Chawla laid down a roadmap aimed at systemic cleansing rather than mere punitive action.
Zero-Tolerance Directive: Tech, AI, and 100% Success in Traps
Chawla directed all range superintendents of police and senior officers to ensure that all anti-corruption operations are totally foolproof. He emphasized the need for robust planning and the best use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve this goal. The bureau chief instructed his team to devise well-planned, confidential, and technically sound trap operations, leaving no room for procedural lapses or negligence. The objective is to ensure a 100% success rate, thereby building an impeccable legal case against the accused.
He categorically stated that the functioning of the Vigilance Bureau must be so strong, transparent, and credible that any official is forced to think "a hundred times" before demanding or accepting a bribe. The visible impact and fear of the bureau must be ingrained in the minds of corrupt elements, transforming bribery for official work into a high-risk activity. This, he believes, will directly reinforce public faith in government machinery.
Targeting Notorious Elements & Protecting the Honest
Chawla provided a specific actionable point for his officers. He instructed them to identify officials in every district whose corrupt reputation is widely known and who are notorious for refusing work without illegal gratification. Comprehensive, verified, and regularly updated lists of such openly defiant elements must be prepared. Following this identification, clear priorities should be set, leading to concrete and decisive action against them.
However, the ACB chief balanced this aggressive stance with a equally strong focus on encouragement. He acknowledged that a large number of state officers and employees perform their duties with integrity and commitment. Chawla directed that continuous engagement be maintained with such honest officers, ensuring they receive administrative protection and public appreciation. Their exemplary work, he stressed, should be recognized and rewarded periodically, as bolstering honesty significantly strengthens the overarching battle against corruption.
Systemic Cleansing: The Ultimate Goal
The detailed discussions during the meeting revolved around ensuring swift, effective, and legally robust action. Chawla underlined that the core objective is not merely punishment but systemic cleansing. To achieve this, a powerful sense of legal deterrence must be instilled among corrupt officials. Simultaneously, the morale of honest officers must be boosted so they can perform their duties without any fear or pressure.
This dual strategy of creating a formidable deterrent through technology-driven precision while fostering a supportive environment for integrity marks a new chapter for the Punjab Vigilance Bureau under Arshinder Singh Chawla's leadership.
