CHANDIGARH, 13th January 2026 : Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said strict and exemplary action was being taken against corrupt officials in the Finance Department, underlining that no one would be spared, irrespective of rank or position.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema shared details of the ongoing crackdown. He said complaints of corruption were received in mid-2022. These complaints were against four employees. The employees were posted in the Treasury and Accounts Branch (Head Office) and various District Treasury Offices. “The moment complaints were received, the department acted without delay. All four officials were immediately suspended. The matter was handed over to the Vigilance Bureau for a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.
The Finance Minister explained the outcome of the departmental inquiry. After an exhaustive probe, decisive action was taken in December 2025. “One official holding the rank of Superintendent Grade-2 was dismissed from service. The remaining three employees received major punishments as per the service rules. This itself reflects the Punjab Government’s zero tolerance towards corruption,” he said.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further informed that legal proceedings were also taken to their logical conclusion. “During the course of investigation, FIR No. 1/2026 was registered by the Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar Range, against the dismissed Superintendent Grade-2. The accused was arrested on January 11, 2026. His initial custody period ended. He was then produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gurdaspur, on January 12, 2026. The Court has granted one-day police remand for further interrogation,” he said.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema took the anti-corruption drive a step further. He revealed that the scrutiny of the bank accounts of the four accused employees uncovered suspicious financial transactions. These transactions involved 22 other officers and employees. “To ensure complete fairness and transparency, the investigation into these transactions was conducted by a retired judge. He said, “Departmental action has now been initiated against all 22 officials. This action is based on the findings of this impartial inquiry and follows the rules strictly.”
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the government’s determination. He said, “The Punjab Government is committed to providing a transparent administration. It aims to be responsible and clean for the people of the state. Wherever corruption comes to light, immediate and strict action will be taken, regardless of the official’s position.”
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that these actions send out a clear message. Illegal practices and misconduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Bhagwant Mann Government’s priority remains building an honest and trustworthy administrative system for the people of Punjab.
