– Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has expressed deep concern over the growing menace of corruption in Punjab, emphasising that the recent cases involving senior officials have once again exposed how deeply the disease of corruption has penetrated the state’s governance structure. He said that Punjab, a land known for honesty, courage, and sacrifice, deserves governance that reflects those same values.
Chahal stated that corruption not only weakens institutions but also erodes the trust of ordinary citizens in the system. “When people lose faith in the honesty of their government, democracy itself begins to suffer,” he said. NAPA firmly believes that Punjab can overcome this challenge through united effort, political will, and moral leadership.
He emphasised that the first step to eradicate corruption is to strengthen and empower institutions that ensure accountability. The Vigilance Bureau, Lokayukta, and other anti-corruption agencies must be given full autonomy and protection from political interference. “No one, however powerful, should be above the law,” Chahal remarked. He added that only when the rule of law applies equally to all can the people of Punjab begin to regain confidence in their government.
Transparency in governance, according to NAPA, is the most effective way to prevent corruption. Every contract, tender, and financial transaction of the Punjab government should be made public through digital platforms. Implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act must be strengthened so that citizens can easily monitor how public funds are being used. “Technology is the greatest tool against corruption—it limits human discretion and brings every decision under public view,” Chahal said.
He further called for strict accountability and time-bound action against corrupt individuals. NAPA suggested the establishment of fast-track courts to handle corruption-related cases so that punishment is swift and effective. Annual asset declarations by ministers, MLAs, and senior bureaucrats should be made mandatory and available for public inspection. “Delayed justice only strengthens the corrupt; swift action restores people’s faith,” he added.
Chahal also stressed the urgent need for political reform. Transparent political funding, internal democracy within parties, and zero tolerance for candidates with criminal backgrounds are necessary to clean up the political system. “Clean politics is the foundation of clean governance,” he said. He appealed to political leaders of Punjab to rise above party lines and create a moral code of conduct that prioritises the public interest over personal gain.
The press release further noted that citizens, media, and civil society groups must play an active role in this mission. NAPA encouraged journalists and activists to continue exposing corruption fearlessly and urged citizens to refuse to participate in corrupt practices, no matter how small. “Corruption will stop the day people decide not to tolerate it,” Chahal observed.
Administrative reforms were also highlighted as key to the solution. Chahal said that Punjab’s bureaucracy must operate on merit and efficiency, with no room for favoritism or red tape. Honest officers must be recognized and protected, while those misusing their position should face strict consequences.
Concluding the statement, Satnam Singh Chahal said, “Punjab’s greatness lies in its moral and spiritual strength. If our institutions, leaders, and people unite with honesty and courage, we can once again make Punjab a model of clean and just governance. The fight against corruption is not just political—it is moral, social, and deeply patriotic.”