With public outcry against alleged scandals related to Roshni scheme raising its pitch, the State Vigilance Organization and the Divisional Bench of the High Court both have accelerated their investigative exercise in respect of abuse of Rashni Act according to which land reforms had been initiated by the State Government. The SVO is reported to have brought to light at least four cases in which land has been illegally allotted to some persons. In one of the four identified cases by the State Vigilance Organization, an IAS officer who happened to be the District Collector of Jammu is also involved. The SVO has filed FIRs in four cases against which it is convinced fraudulent practice was done. In these columns we have already taken the initiative of bringing the Roshni scandal to light and make people aware how officials in authority can swindle the Government and thereby abuse the law. We very much appreciate the Vigilance Organization acting swiftly and booking the miscreants. In our previous reports also we hinted at a nexus among various agencies in and out of Government who have a role in misusing the Act. The High Court has expressed its displeasure with six District Commissioners for not submitting complete status report on implementation of Roshni Act in their respective districts. It will be reminded that a PIL is under the consideration of the Divisional Bench of the High Court and it has asked the DCs of six districts why they are not responding to the investigation exercise of the SVO. We feel that the Government shall have to step in at this stage and issue clear instructions to the Revenue officials and the District Commissioners that they would be held responsible for allowing abuse of Roshni Act if they fail to cooperate with the Vigilance Organization in uncovering the scandal.
The SVO has so far identified only four cases in which gross irregularity has been found in the context of Roshni Act. It is very likely that there would be more cases. But the manner in which the identified cases are being shielded by concerned authorities speaks a lot about widespread irregularities in this matter. As such it becomes unavoidable for the Government to provide all information to the SVO and to the High Court so that the law breakers are brought to the book.
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