Whistleblower bureaucrat Sanjiv Chaturvedi, who stood tough in the corrupt bureaucratic system and continued his crusade against corruption, is this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award winner.
The award, which recognises his integrity in governance and public service and his long struggle against the prevalence of corrupt practices in the system, has given the 2002-batch IFS officer Chaturvedi, a great sense of encouragement to continue the good work.
"It is a different kind of recognition. After 13 years of my services in Indian Forest Service, this honour has provided me with great feeling of contentment, a sense of accomplishment and has encouraged me to continue combat graft," said Chaturvedi while talking to The Pioneer.
The IFS officer, during his recent visit to Chandigarh after winning the Magsaysay award, acknowledges the invaluable teachings of his ideal former President late APJ Abdul Kalam, who has inspired him to bring in a change in the corrupt system.
"Dr Kalam is my role model. He was present during my convocation at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Allahabad and since then, has inspired me to work hard, dream big and achieve great goals," said the IFS officer, who is credited with exposing several corruption scams.
Recalling his crusade against corruption at AIIMS in New Delhi, Chaturvedi expressed disappointment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that I was removed from the post of CVO in the institute for investigating into large scams and the Prime Minister failed to provide any assistance to me in this regard.
Chaturvedi unearthed scams in every place of posting from Haryana Government to Central Government. After unearthing several scams in Haryana Forest Department, the officer faced transfers, suspension and was hounded and humiliated with false charges while in Central Government, he was shunted out of the post of Chief Vigilance officer (CVO) at AIIMs, for investigating role of senior officials in several scams.
The vindicated bureaucrat is however seeking to reform the Government system from within. Excerpts from an interview:
Do you think that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central Government is on the right track to root out corruption and achieving its goal of 'minimum Government and maximum Governance'IJ
I am really disappointed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gave the slogan of 'Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga' promising to eliminate the corruption. But the reality is entirely different and there is no such thing like zero tolerance against corruption as promised by Modi Government. When I was removed from the post of Chief Vigilance officer at AIIMS, Prime Minister had intervened in the matter and had also sought a report regarding the same but nothing happened after that. I had ordered inquiry against senior hospital official for corruption at AIIMS but faced vindictive attitude at the hands of the Government. In fact, the Government tried to ruin my Annual Confidential Report.
What about the Government in Haryana. Do you feel that the approach of Government's functioning has changed under Khattar and the State Government is working in right direction for eliminating corruption and bringing transparency in the functioningIJ
As per the feedback from bureaucrats of Haryana, the corruption in Government employees is still high. I do not want to blame any political party but the situation has remained more or less similar as was in the previous Government in the State. Irrespective of change of guard at the Central level or State level, the situation still remains the same.
You faced multiple transfers and also a suspension while working in Haryana Government. Many IAS officers like Ashok Khemka, Pradeep Kasni are facing the similar situation in the State Government. How do you look at the scenarioIJ
Unfortunately, the honest officers are being sidelined by the Government. There is a sense of frustration among such bureaucrats because the vindictive approach against the civil servant is still witnessed and there is a need to put an end to such vindictive actions.
How do you look at the constant conflict with Governments during your serviceIJ Earlier in Haryana Government and then, Central Government
I have been victimised by both the Governments for investigating and exposing corruption. This is a general trend across the country. I cannot blame or name a particular party for this. The honest officers are never allowed to complete their tenure in a particular department.
Many cases and complaints of irregularities were registered against you by previous Congress led Haryana Government. Your take on that.
The Government fabricated cases and departmental chargesheet against me. I faced police cases, frequent transfers and suspension for exposing major scams in the State. All false cases fabricated against me have now been quashed by the Courts.
What do you think about the transfer rules of two-year fixed tenure for premier services - IAS, IPS and IFS -that aimed at checking political interferenceIJ
The rules are there but are not implemented or followed by Governments. Interference of higher ups whether politicians or bureaucrats is always there. Officers have a sense of insecurity as they can be transferred or suspended from the department before the completion of their tenure.
You have sought cadre change from Haryana to Uttarakhand. What are the reasons for the sameIJ
Professionally, Uttarakhand would be a better place for working as the forest area of the State is more than that of Haryana. That's why I requested for the cadre change. The request is in process and hopefully would be approved soon.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to the Centre asking it to immediately relieve you and he wants you as Officer on Special Duty. Your take on that.
Yes, Delhi Government had made such a request. But unusually, the request is kept pending for a long period of time by the Union Government. Such requests are usually decided in around a month. I do not understand why the Union Ministry is taking such a long time on deciding such a trivial and routine issue.
Your promotion was on hold for several years. Recently, Haryana Government has cleared your promotion. How do you feel about thatIJ
The promotion has not been cleared after the announcement of Ramon Magsaysay Award for me. Infact, the Haryana Government was forced to do so after the Court orders. I had approached Central Administrative Tribunal after my name did not figure in the Departmental Promotion Committee held in June and January. My 28 batchmates of the 2002 cadre had been promoted, but my promotion was put on hold by the State Government. It is really unfortunate that I had to fight for a long time to get promotion.