MP CM promises action against corruption

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said his government planned to tackle the corruption throgh a legislation and introduction of `lokseva kendra' (public service centres).

"I want to check the corruption in two ways: systematic improvement in the bureaucracy, and a legislation which the MP government got passed in the Assembly, for seizing the unaccounted assets or property of the guilty within six months of filing a case," Chouhan said at a gathering of Indore businessmen here.

Lokseva Kendra would be monitored through internet, CM said, adding that officers of the kendra would have to reply to people's complaints within 15 days. Failure to reply in time would lead to penalty and disciplinary action, he said. The state government was also working on the e-payment mode for paying contractors after verifying progress and completion of the work through video conference, he said, adding it would bring transparency.

MP Assembly had passed a bill on `seizure of income and property disproportionate to known sources of income', but it is pending with the President for approval for one year. Under the bill, a special court would be set up to deal with corruption cases, which would pronounce judgements within a year, Chouhan said.