Govt sets up judicial commission to probe into misuse of govt scheme funds, graft
Times of India | 15 July 2026
Kolkata: Nabanna has notified the setting up of a judicial commission, headed by Justice Biswajit Basu, to probe allegations of large-scale corruption across multiple state govt departments from 2011 to May 2026. The commission is expected to start functioning soon from the HRBC Building, officials said. Justice Basu is slated to visit the office on Monday to give his official nod before operations commence.
The judicial commission will examine alleged financial irregularities, misuse of power, and administrative malpractices across sectors like education, medical institutions, disaster relief, housing, PWD, fisheries, municipal and panchayat affairs, and land matters, according to the notification. Citizens can lodge complaints directly, and those forced to pay “cut money” to avail of various govt scheme benefits would be served justice, an official said.
Senior IPS officer K Jayaraman will serve as member-secretary and head the probe panel. “The commission is empowered to summon witnesses, examine persons under oath, seek documents, receive affidavit evidence, and requisition public records from courts and offices,” an official said. A revenue service officer will join as technical expert, and others may be co-opted with approval.
The focal point will be alleged bribery and extortion in govt scheme works, and recovery of funds. “To achieve this, the commission can also recommend the attachment of property if it finds that such assets were acquired through acts of omission and commission that led to corruption,” the official explained..
“Since there have been widespread allegations regarding the siphoning of govt funds meant for the rehabilitation of Amphan-affected villagers, the commission will hear those complaints as well,” the official noted, adding, “The misuse of the mid-day meal scheme, illegal constructions, and corrupt practices in public employment and education will all be under the scanner.”
“If the Justice Basu commission finds that assets were acquired through corrupt means, it can propose the prompt filing of FIRs. However, ongoing investigations already being handled by central agencies will not be taken up by this commission,” the official clarified.