Corrupt officials in Punjab are now on notice. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led State Government has launched a sweeping crackdown on corruption, making top district officials directly responsible for eliminating graft in their jurisdictions. Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), and Station House Officers (SHOs) have been warned — either ensure clean governance or face strict action, including adverse entries in their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), suspension, or dismissal.
That is not all! To ensure that officers remain accountable to the people they serve, the Punjab Government has introduced a bold new system — direct feedback from both the general public and elected representatives will now play a crucial role in assessing officials’ performance.
The directives came after AAP’s humiliating defeat in the recently-concluded Delhi Assembly elections — a political jolt that has prompted the Punjab Government to reinforce its commitment to transparency and governance reforms. By shifting the burden of accountability to senior officers, the Government aimed at curbing corruption at its roots and restoring public trust.
Determined to restore public trust and credibility, the State Government has launched a zero-tolerance campaign against corruption, making officers directly answerable to the people they serve.
As per new directions, every Deputy Commissioner, SSP, SDM, Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, Superintendents of Police (SP), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), SHO, and other key field officers will be under constant scrutiny, with their reputations and careers hinging on public perception and legislative evaluation. Those who demonstrate integrity and efficiency will be rewarded with greater responsibilities, while those who fail to curb corruption or engage in misconduct will face serious consequences.
By linking rewards and punishments directly to real-time feedback, the Government is signaling a fundamental shift towards governance that is not just transparent but also driven by the voices of the people. Directions have been issued that interaction of the public with the Government at all levels should be completely hassle free. Likewise, it has also been underlined that public work should be accomplished in minimum possible time in an efficient and polite manner.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, who is also AAP’s Punjab unit president, emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to establish a corruption-free administration. “Accountability is the key. Regular feedback will be collected from the general public and also the MPs and MLAs regarding the performance and integrity of district officials. Officers who excel in their duties will be rewarded with greater responsibilities, while those who fail to curb corruption or engage in dishonest practices will face serious repercussions,” Arora stated.
The government aims to ensure that no citizen is forced to pay bribes or endure bureaucratic hurdles to avail of public services, he said, adding, “Every officer must guarantee that people receive efficient and honest service without harassment or illegal financial demands.”
Earlier, in January, the Punjab Government took a firm stand against corruption in registrar and sub-registrar offices — often seen as hotbeds for illegal financial transactions. Officials were directed to ensure that all CCTV cameras in these offices were operational within seven days, with strict warnings that non-compliance would lead to disciplinary action. A shocking government audit had revealed that, despite previous mandates, only three CCTV cameras were functional across the entire state.
Despite these aggressive measures, the Punjab Government has faced significant setbacks in corruption-related prosecutions. The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently dismissed high-profile cases against former Congress Ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Sundar Sham Arora, raising questions about the government’s legal preparedness. Opposition parties have seized upon these judicial failures, accusing the AAP government of using corruption cases as political tools rather than ensuring watertight legal proceedings.
In response, the Government has vowed to strengthen its legal approach and ensure that corruption cases are built on solid evidence, leading to convictions rather than mere political statements. “We will not allow corrupt elements to escape justice. The fight against corruption is real, and we are committed to making it legally robust,” a government spokesperson said.
With less than two years to go before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, AAP is making corruption eradication a central pillar of its governance narrative. Analysts believed that this move is not only a policy decision but also a calculated political maneuver to rebuild voter confidence, especially in light of the INDIA bloc’s near-collapse at the national level.
Political experts pointed out that vigilance cases against Congress leaders slowed down significantly after AAP and Congress formed an alliance at the national level for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the latest directives signaled a renewed focus on holding all officials accountable, irrespective of political affiliations.
AAP Govt’s Anti-Corruption Action
Since taking power in 2022, the Punjab Government has made corruption a key focus area. Official statistics highlighted the extent of vigilance efforts. In 2024, total 134 trap operations were held, of which 262 corruption cases were registered and 41 arrests were made. In 2023, 252 cases were registered leading to 33 convictions; while in 2022, 202 cases were filed with 19 convictions secured.
