Srinagar, Oct 6: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has started the process of removing employees allegedly involved in malpractices and corruption.

Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Athar Aamir Khan said that they have started the process of removing ‘corrupt’ employees and action has already been taken against 35 employees.

“We recently started the process of removing 4 permanent employees among which one has been forcefully retired,” the Commissioner said adding that they have completed regular departmental enquires and initiated action against 52 employees for their involvement in ‘corruption.

“There was a clear-cut policy from day one that any kind of corruption and dereliction of duties won’t be tolerated. Action is not being taken against lower rung employees only but these include senior officials, ward officers, and building inspectors as well,” Athar Aamir Khan said.

He said it is a continuous process and they have been taking action from day one. “If there is any delinquency from any official, immediate action is taken,” he said adding that at the same time bona fide employees are always encouraged.

“If somebody will pressurize our bona fide employees, malign their image, we won’t tolerate that and will file cases against those elements,” Khan said.

Meanwhile, Srinagar Mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu in a tweet informed that: the process to clean the SMC of corrupt elements has been formally started this morning. There will be absolutely no sympathy for those who have indulged in brazen corruption. This is a strong and welcome step to take the ongoing investigation to its logical conclusion.” knt