Dear Editor,
After 22 months in office, we have an integrity commission finally in place (`Chandra Gajraj named as chair of Integrity Commission’, SN Jun 2). Does this mean that the public can quietly file reports on wrongdoing or corruption against government officials, heads of Agencies and State entities, and other officials? Will such reports be kept in confidence so that the complainant will not be victimized as happened under the preceding coalition administration and the PPP/C before that? Who will show courage to file complaints against Ministers and officials if their names will be divulged?
The working class, poor, or politically unconnected tends to face prosecution for violation of laws. No government official has been successfully prosecuted for various violations under successive administrations. I note that government officials tend to come into office almost broke and before the five years is over, they are very wealthy. Will their wealth be investigated? How did they acquire their wealth on a government salary? Shouldn’t the Integrity Commission have the power to investigate such vulgar acquisition of wealth? Many government officials have not filed reports with the Integrity Commission. Will they be investigated and charged (fined) for violations of the law?
Now that we have the Integrity Commission in place, when will the Procurement Commission be appointed so contractors and the public can file complaints against corrupt acts in procurement of works and equipment? There have been so many complaints in the media on unqualified bidders getting huge contracts, contract nepotism with contracts going to relatives of government officials, contractors being compelled to procure sub-standard equipment, fictitious contracts being paid when no work is done, and so many other nefarious acts.
Yours truly,
Hafeez I Rahman
