Zero Tolerance For Corruption: Mann Government Blueprint For Transparent Governance

Chandigarh: Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said strict and exemplary action was being taken against corrupt officials in the Finance Department, underlining that no one would be spared, irrespective of rank or position.

What Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said?

Sharing details of the ongoing crackdown, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said complaints of corruption were received in mid-2022 against four employees posted in the Treasury and Accounts Branch (Head Office) and various District Treasury Offices. “The moment complaints were received, the department acted without delay. All four officials were immediately suspended and the matter was handed over to the Vigilance Bureau for a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.

What Harpal Singh said about Punjab Govt’s zero tolerance towards corruption?

Explaining the outcome of the departmental inquiry, the Finance Minister stated that after an exhaustive probe, decisive action was taken in December 2025. “One official holding the rank of Superintendent Grade-2 was dismissed from service, while the remaining three employees were awarded major punishments as per the service rules. This itself reflects the Punjab Government’s zero tolerance towards corruption,” he said.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further informed that legal proceedings were also taken to their logical conclusion. “During the course of investigation, FIR No. 1/2026 was registered by the Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar Range, against the dismissed Superintendent Grade-2. The accused was arrested on January 11, 2026, and after completion of his initial custody period, he was produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gurdaspur, on January 12, 2026. The Court has granted one-day police remand for further interrogation,” he said.

What Harpal Singh Cheema said about Punjab govt's anti-corruption drive?

Taking the anti-corruption drive a step further, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that scrutiny of the bank accounts of the four accused employees uncovered suspicious financial transactions involving 22 other officers and employees. “To ensure complete fairness and transparency, the investigation into these transactions was conducted by a retired judge. Based on the findings of this impartial inquiry, departmental action has now been initiated against all 22 officials strictly as per rules,” he said.

What the Finance Minister said about Punjab govt's resolve?

Reiterating the government’s resolve, the Finance Minister said, “The Punjab Government is committed to providing a transparent, responsible, and clean administration to the people of the state. Wherever corruption comes to light, immediate and strict action will be taken, regardless of the official’s position.”

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that these actions send out a clear message that illegal practices and misconduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances, and that the Bhagwant Mann Government’s priority remained building an honest and trustworthy administrative system for the people of Punjab.