1,867 Gujarat govt officials penalised in 5 years for corruption, irregularities

The latest report of Gujarat Vigilance Commission has revealed that a total of 1,867 government officials and employees across departments were penalised for corruption and irregularities over a five-year period from 2020 to 2024.

As per the report, 2024 alone saw strict action against several senior officials, with punishment orders issued against 138 Class-1 officers. In a significant move, pensions of 246 officials and employees from Class-1 to Class-3 were withheld during this five-year period.

Notably, the highest number of punishment orders in the last five years was recorded in 2024, with action taken against 486 officials and employees.

The commission initiates probes based on complaints of corruption and misconduct. After a detailed investigation, it submits its report and recommends disciplinary action against those found guilty, which is then executed by the respective government departments.

According to the 2024 report, recommendations were made against a total of 1,382 government officials and employees during the year. Among them, 678 public servants faced recommendations for major penalties, while pension cuts were suggested in three cases.

Further, after scrutiny of reports received from the Anti-Corruption Bureau and other agencies, prosecution sanction—essentially clearance for criminal proceedings—was recommended against 29 officials.

In addition, the Commission proposed minor penalties against 54 employees and recovery-related actions against 30 others. However, in 588 cases, allegations were found to be unsubstantiated, leading to recommendations for closure of those cases.