Jammu, March 8,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Headquarters building at Sidhra in Jammu and the ACB APKS Branch at Awantipora, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and swift justice to build a corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing officials at the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor said that the two newly constructed facilities symbolize the government’s commitment to transparent governance.
“These two buildings are not merely structures of steel, glass, and concrete; they stand as a bold declaration of transparency in public life and a corruption-free Union Territory,” he said.
Transparent Governance in J&K
The Lieutenant Governor noted that Jammu and Kashmir is at a pivotal juncture, highlighting the transformative reforms introduced in governance over the past five to six years.
“Over the past 5–6 years, we have ushered in transformative changes, rendering the system transparent and dedicating it to public service. The entire machinery now operates not for the benefit of a select few, but for every individual across the Union Territory,” he said.
He also credited reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that a faceless mechanism has been established to reduce corruption in government processes, eliminate delays, and ensure services reach ordinary citizens directly.
Call for Strong Investigations and Accountability
The Lieutenant Governor urged ACB officers to ensure that every decision, investigation, and prosecution withstands judicial scrutiny and reflects the authority granted by the Constitution.
He emphasized that corruption investigations must be swift and effective, warning that delayed justice undermines outcomes in corruption cases.
“Delayed justice does not merely deny society its due but actively weakens the fight against corruption. We must cultivate a work culture that eliminates delays in delivering justice,” he said.
He also asked officials to conduct a daily self-audit of their work to maintain the credibility the agency has earned over the years.
Collaboration Key to Fighting Corruption
Highlighting the evolving nature of corruption, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
“In today’s interconnected world, corruption knows no borders, and data is scattered across various networks. Information held by one agency may become the crucial piece in another’s investigation. Genuine and timely cooperation is therefore essential,” he said.
Corruption Hurts Society
The Lieutenant Governor described corruption as a direct attack on society, affecting ordinary citizens and future generations.
“Corruption is not merely a loss of public money. It is the opportunity stolen from youth, the security snatched from families, and injustice inflicted on the elderly,” he said.
He added that the consequences of corruption extend far beyond financial loss and can scar the lives of multiple generations.
“We must recognize that corruption is not an abstract offence against the public exchequer but a direct assault on the lives of human beings,” he said, calling on officials and citizens to work together to build a corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir.
New Facilities to Strengthen Vigilance
The newly established APKS Branch at Awantipora will cater to the ACB Police Station Anantnag, which has jurisdiction over all districts of South Kashmir. The facility is expected to improve accessibility and strengthen investigations in corruption cases across the region.
Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau Shakti Kumar Pathak briefed the gathering about the functioning of the bureau and the key features of the newly constructed buildings, stating that the enhanced infrastructure would provide a better working environment and boost vigilance operations.
Senior officials present on the occasion included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, ADGP Headquarters M.K. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary GAD M. Raju, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas, among others.
