Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar issued a stern warning to Excise Department officials, stating that he would not stay silent if they tarnished the government’s reputation. He mentioned the possibility of enacting a law to transfer these officials to other departments if necessary. This comes after the Enforcement Directorate accused the Karnataka Excise Department of operating like an organized syndicate for bribe collection following statewide raids.
During a review meeting at Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of upholding the government’s dignity through the department’s actions. He highlighted the potential for legal changes to enable transfers and instructed officials to work diligently to avoid any tarnishing of the government’s name. Additionally, he commended the growth in the department post the implementation of the AIB system and announced plans for e-auctioning 574 new licenses.
Shivakumar stressed the need for professionalism to maintain the department’s integrity, which directly impacts the government’s standing. He urged officials to meet set targets and operate with dignity to enhance the government’s reputation. The Chief Minister warned of strict consequences if professionalism and the department’s dignity were compromised, underscoring the importance of upholding standards to avoid adverse actions.
