Jaipur, Jan. 21 -- The Rajasthan finance department has issued a detailed circular enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against financial misconduct in government departments, boards, corporations and autonomous bodies across the state, making it mandatory to immediately register an FIR with the police in cases of embezzlement, misappropriation or theft of government funds. The move was aimed at protecting the public exchequer and ensuring swift and effective action against serious financial offences, stated the circular adding that several instances of financial irregularities repeatedly came to light during audits conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). In many such cases, audit objections remained pending for long periods and appropriate legal action was either delayed or not initiated at all. This, the department observed, resulted in continued loss to the public exchequer and weakened financial accountability. To address this, the circular clearly stated that as soon as any case of embezzlement, misappropriation or theft of government funds was detected, the concerned department must immediately register an FIR with the police. Alongside this, a preliminary inquiry must be initiated without waiting for the completion of internal departmental processes. The department has categorically clarified that administrative procedures, file movement or internal correspondence cannot be cited as reasons to delay criminal proceedings in serious financial offences. The circular further directs that departmental disciplinary action and criminal proceedings should run simultaneously wherever required. Departments have also been instructed to ensure that responsibility is fixed at every level. Drawing and disbursing officers, heads of offices and supervisory officers have been made directly accountable for any lapse in taking timely action. Failure to initiate prompt legal and departmental action after detection of irregularities will be treated as negligence and may invite disciplinary proceedings against the responsible officials. The department has also instructed all departments to conduct regular reviews of pending audit objections and ensure that cases involving financial loss are resolved within the stipulated timelines. In cases where recovery of government money is possible, departments have been asked to immediately initiate recovery proceedings in accordance with rules, apart from pursuing criminal action. The circular emphasised that the objective of these measures was to strengthen financial discipline, promote transparency and restore public confidence in government functioning. Departments have been reminded to strictly adhere to financial rules, maintain proper accounting records and ensure full compliance with audit requirements to prevent recurrence of such irregularities. The instructions have been circulated to all administrative departments, heads of offices and field authorities with directions for immediate implementation. The move signals a structured approach by the state government to curb financial misconduct and misuse of public funds....