Kerala’s revised Vigilance manual targets digital corruption, benami assets

Thiruvananthapuram, July 8 (IANS) In a major overhaul of the state’s anti-corruption framework, the Kerala government on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensively revised Vigilance Manual after nearly 24 years, introducing sweeping changes to modernise investigations, strengthen internal vigilance mechanisms, and improve the professional standards of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).

Releasing the revised manual, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the updated document would provide greater momentum to the state’s fight against corruption by equipping the Vigilance Department to deal with evolving forms of financial crimes in the digital era.

“The nature of corruption has changed significantly over the years and investigation procedures must keep pace with these changes,” the Minister said while inaugurating the release of the manual and a review meeting of Internal Vigilance Heads of government departments and public sector undertakings.

The event was organised as part of Project Zero, the state-wide anti-corruption campaign launched by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to promote transparency and accountability in public administration.

The first comprehensive revision of the manual since 2002 incorporates detailed guidelines for investigating irregularities involving digital payments, online financial transactions, and other technology-driven economic offences.

It also lays down clear procedures governing the selection, training, investigation methods and legal processes relating to Vigilance officers with the objective of making the agency’s functioning more scientific, professional and efficient.

Among the key reforms announced is the introduction of an aptitude test for police personnel seeking deputation to the Vigilance Department, a move aimed at improving the quality of investigations.

The government will also consider providing uniforms to Vigilance officers and instituting medals and other awards to recognise exemplary service.

Chennithala said Project Zero would now enter a more intensive phase, with District Vigilance Superintendents of Police leading anti-corruption initiatives across Kerala.

Surprise inspections will be strengthened, while special emphasis will be placed on detecting benami property transactions and cases involving assets disproportionate to known sources of income.

The Minister also announced that the Vigilance clearance mechanism for appointments to key government posts would be enforced more effectively.

Departments have been directed to strengthen their internal vigilance systems and promptly report corruption-related complaints to the VACB.

Legal advisers will also be appointed to ensure the effective handling of tribunal matters and court cases.

The revised manual is expected to serve as the operational blueprint for the State’s anti-corruption agency as it adapts to increasingly sophisticated financial crimes while reinforcing transparency and accountability in governance.

–IANS

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