In a move to enhance the investigative capacity of the state’s vigilance department, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the creation of 20 additional posts. This expansion aims to enable the department to independently handle technical and financial investigations, reducing reliance on external experts.
The newly approved posts will include professionals such as civil engineers and chartered accountants, who will be appointed on a contractual basis. In addition, the department will induct more police officers—particularly Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors—on deputation. With this addition, the overall strength of the vigilance unit will increase from 132 to 152 personnel.
Currently, the vigilance team faces challenges when probing corruption cases involving technical or financial irregularities. For instance, cases related to construction quality or financial misappropriation often require expert interpretation, which typical police personnel may not possess. This gap has, at times, delayed investigations or weakened their legal standing.
The idea to strengthen the technical base of vigilance was proposed back in 2022 and has now received formal approval. The inclusion of in-house experts is expected to accelerate probe timelines and reduce the risk of flawed investigations benefiting the accused.
According to Vigilance Director Dr. V. Murugesan, the addition of technical and financial experts will significantly improve the department’s effectiveness in tackling complex corruption cases.
