The Bihar government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is gearing up to introduce a new law to tackle corruption and deal firmly with the mafia in addition to addressing irregularities in government offices. The proposed law, discussed and approved during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, aims to categorize corruption as a serious offense, ensuring stringent actions against offenders once it becomes effective.
Following the conclusion of the Bihar Legislative Assembly session, the Home Department, in collaboration with other departments, has drafted the framework of the new law to combat corruption and crackdown on corruption related to the state’s projects by mafia elements.
The government is set to bring forth a significantly stricter law compared to its predecessor, with penalties ranging from five to seven years for those found guilty of corruption. Previously, provisions for harsh penalties were focused on individuals involved in bribery and corruption. The new law is expected to enhance the powers of three existing agencies dealing with corruption in the state – the Economic Offenses Unit, Surveillance Bureau, and Special Surveillance Unit. Additionally, there is a proposal to establish a new investigative agency.
The draft of the new law will be presented during the ongoing session of the Legislative Assembly, and it will undergo scrutiny and approval from both houses. The move reflects the government’s commitment to curbing corruption and strengthening the anti-corruption framework in Bihar.
