The state government has adopted a two-pronged strategy to curb corruption in bidding process in Public Works Department (PWD) and land use conversion of agricultural plot.
While the bidding process in PWD is being monitored by a hi-tech software, ‘Prahari’, the revenue department has started online application for conversion of land use from agriculture to non-agricultural.
A state government spokesperson said ‘Prahari’ software has completely dismantled the role of middlemen in PWD. “The number of complaints related to bidding in the department has come down to zero, which is indicative of the measures taken by the state government to check corruption,” he said.
“Ths software, which is in use since September 15, assesses documents pertaining to bidding process, banks and even machines. Applicants are able to upload their documents on their own and official interference has been completely curtailed,” the spokesperson said. Likewise, the state government has managed to check corruption in conversion of use of agricultural land.
“Farmers will not require help of middlemen or officials and will be able to file applications online. Officials who have to change land use will be under government scanner. They will have to get the application cleared within 45 days. An application will be deemed as approved if it is not processed within a set timeline,” he said.
The spokesperson said the step would not only help government in bringing down corruption but would also help investors seeking to purchase land from farmers to set up industries.
“This will expedite industrialisation and help in increasing employment opportunities,” he added.
