Jammu, July 10 -- The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a fact-finding inquiry into serious allegations of corruption and financial irregularities levelled against the Financial Advisor/Chief Accounts Officer of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), following a complaint that accused the officer of running an "institutionalised extortion" racket demanding 1.5 percent commission on contractor payments.
The Housing & Urban Development Department issued the order after receiving a representation from the Jhelum Valley Constructional Contractors Association, addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, alleging that contractors were being forced to bypass the government's online BEAMS and JKPaySys payment systems and were instead compelled...