Not declaring wealth to cost babus salary

Officers in the secretariat who are yet to declare their assets, have been warned that their salary for September would not be disbursed if they failed to declare their assets within the next few days, according to sources here.

“If any officer is paid the salary without furnishing the detail of his or her assets, the officer, who has made the payment, will be held responsible personally and would be acted against,” a senior official here said.

Many “babus” were reportedly seeking the help of lawyers and other professionals for listing their properties, sources said.

A written directive had already been sent to all heads of the department with the direction ensure its strict compliance, he said. The order would be presenty applicable to officials of the level of section officers and above.

The official said the step to withhold salary had been taken as many government employees failed to declare their movable and immovable properties despite several reminders. He pointed out to rules that state that all officers and employees of the government must declare their assets at the time of their appointment and then after every five years.

The new directive has triggered panic among officers who are yet to furnish details of their wealth. The recent confiscation of a palatial bungalow of an IAS officer at Patna has also come as a warning to the “babus” an they fear that the government here could follow suit.