The Punjab government has taken decisive action against corruption in the state's health sector by suspending 23 officials for their alleged involvement in illegal recruitment processes. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly blamed previous state governments for creating an environment where such malpractices could flourish unchecked.
Mass Suspension in Health Department
In a major crackdown on corruption, 23 officials have been suspended for their roles in fraudulent recruitment activities within Rogi Kalyan Samitis. These committees, established to manage patient welfare in government hospitals, became centers of illegal appointment schemes that bypassed proper procedures.
The suspended officials include both administrative and medical staff who allegedly manipulated recruitment processes to appoint unqualified candidates in exchange for financial benefits. The investigation revealed that these illegal activities had been ongoing for several years under previous administrations.
Chief Minister's Strong Reaction
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann didn't mince words when addressing the situation, stating that the previous governments were responsible for creating a system where such corruption could thrive. He emphasized that the current administration is committed to rooting out corruption at all levels and ensuring transparent governance.
"The suspension of these 23 officials sends a clear message that illegal practices will not be tolerated," Mann declared. He further explained that the government is implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
The investigation into the illegal recruitment scandal continues, with authorities examining documents and conducting interviews to identify all individuals involved. The government has formed a special committee to review all appointments made in Rogi Kalyan Samitis over the past five years.
Additional suspensions and legal actions are expected as the probe progresses. The government has also initiated the process of terminating illegally appointed staff and recovering salaries paid to them during their unauthorized employment.
This action represents part of the AAP government's broader anti-corruption campaign in Punjab, which has seen several high-profile cases being investigated since they took office. The administration has promised regular updates on the investigation and further actions against those found guilty of corruption.
