Uttar Pradesh Government Strengthens Departmental Investigation Process for Transparency and Accountability

Lucknow, October 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, has reinforced its departmental investigation framework. The Social Welfare Department has introduced a standardized format and a mandatory checklist of ten points for departmental inquiries, as outlined in Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999.

Special Secretary Praveen Mishra issued a government order detailing these changes. The Yogi administration aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the administrative system by streamlining the departmental investigation process. The new standardized format requires investigating officers to meticulously document each step of the inquiry. This is expected to improve the quality of investigation reports and provide clarity during the review of cases at the government level.

A notable feature of the new system is the separate evaluation of each allegation listed in the charge sheet. Investigators must record the allegations, responses from the concerned officials, available evidence, witness testimonies, and details of oral hearings. Based on this, clear and reasoned conclusions will be drawn for each allegation, making the departmental investigation process more factual and impartial.

Additionally, the investigation report must include the mandatory checklist and a compliance certificate. This checklist details essential procedures, including the acknowledgment of the charge sheet, written responses, opportunities for document inspection, witness cross-examination, and oral hearings. If the prescribed procedures are not fully adhered to, the investigation report may be returned for completion. This initiative aims to ensure both quality and accountability in the investigative process.

The Yogi government has also clarified the role of the investigating officer. Based on the evidence and hearings, they will conclude whether the allegations are substantiated, partially substantiated, or unsubstantiated. Decisions regarding penalties will be made by the competent authority in accordance with the rules, thereby strengthening impartiality and institutional processes in departmental investigations.