GOVT DEPT HEADS LET OFF THE CORRUPT, NETTED BY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT

Heads of government institutions have failed to take disciplinary action against more than 200 persons found guilty in investigations conducted by the Presidential Special Investigation Unit (PSIU), a PSIU spokesman stated.

The PSIU initiates and conducts investigations with Presidential Secretariat sanction, on complaints made on corruption of public servants. The PSIU also sends reports to heads of relevant institutions recommending disciplinary action against the involved public servants, other than those arrested and charged before courts. However most heads of such institutions have failed to take disciplinary action as recommended by the PSIU.

The same reports also are sent to the Presidential Secretariat. The offending public servants remain in their positions and continue corrupt behaviour as no disciplinary action is taken against them. These corrupt officers also harass the public servants who give evidence at PSIU investigations.

In one investigation into misappropriation of Rs 80 million in state money in the North Central Province tank renovation project, only the chairman of the institution was suspended though the PSIU recommended disciplinary action against few others including the accountant of that agency. No action was taken against them.