PATNA: In Bihar, where corruption in government offices forced chief minister Nitish Kumar to declare a war on graft, two IAS officers have set an example by disclosing details of their movable and immovable properties.
Saran DM Kuldip Narayan and Gopalganj DM Balamurugan D, both of 2005 batch, are the only IAS officers to have declared the details of their movable property so far. Rules require the IAS officers to declare the details of their immovable property, acquired till December 31, to the state government by January 31 every year.
Narayan, from UP, said he won’t boast of his move. ”When ministers can do it, why can’t we?” he asked and added he has nothing to hide from his employers.
Balamurugan, from Tamil Nadu, said the one-page format prescribed for all-India service officers for the purpose asked for few details. ”So both of us decided to make the declaration in a more detailed way and posted it on the districts official website for anyone to access it.” The officers filled up not only the pro forma document meant for them, but also the one meant for ministers. Narayan’s declaration can be reached at saran.bih.nic.in, while Balamurugan’s at gopalganj.bih.nic.in.
Their details include shares and mutual funds investments, AC, refrigerator and even mobile phones __ every possession worth more than Rs 10,000.
”Under Section 16(2), every member of the (all-India) service shall submit an annual return in such a form as may be prescribed by the government in this regard, giving full particulars regarding the immovable property inherited by him or owned or acquired by him or held by him on lease or mortgage, either in his own name or in the name of any member of his family or in the name of any other person,” says a Bihar governments general administration department circular quoting All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968.
Read more:Â 2 Bihar babus set example, declare assets – The Times of India
Best achievement for Bihar.