ACC warns against corruption in paddy procurement

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmood ordered the officials of the commission to take legal action against bribery and corruption in the government's paddy-rice procurement process.

The ACC chairman issued the order, on Sunday, to the ACC officials after analysing a special report of the commission's Intelligence Unit. 

The report was on the irregularities and corruption by some government officials and employees involved in the government's paddy-rice procurement process.

According to the report, some of the officials and employees are involved in the government's Paddy-Rice Procurement Programme.

Some local influential people are allegedly engaging in immoral activities like bribery and corruption for personal benefit.

Apart from the intelligence report, the commission has also received such allegations through social media.

Following the intelligence report, the ACC chairman, has sent a special urgent message to the officials in charge of the commission's Intelligence Unit, Integrated District Offices and Divisional Offices.

The message reads, "ACC officials must observe the programme closely. The concerned officials in the purchase programme are to be monitored strictly to prevent their chances of corruption and bribery. Pressure from the influential people, to collect paddy from middlemen, will also not be tolerated."

"If you receive such allegations, you will immediately form a special team and visit the spot," the ACC chairman further said, in the message. 

"Take legal action if necessary. Conduct immediate operations. You have to both prevent and stop corruption – that is your legal responsibility," he added.