CVC asks depts to fill vacant posts of CVOs within two months

It has specifically issued advices to all corporations, government companies, societies and local authorities owned or controlled by Central government in this regard. The anti-corruption watchdog is also assessing the performance of vigilance officers in checking illegal and unfair practices in their respective departments.

CVC officials said the probity watchdog was receiving several complaints related to alleged corruption, especially in those organisations where there is no preventive vigilance mechanism.

"There have been instances where absence of CVOs in certain organisations have led to increase in illegal practices or corruption. We have asked them to comply with our directives and appoint vigilance officers within two months' time," a CVC officer said.

The government has already initiated process to fill up by next year vacancies of CVOs in 44 key departments, including Kandla Port Trust, Tuticorin Port Trust, Numaligarh Refineries Limited, National Aluminium Company (Bhubneshwar), Indian Bureau of Mines (Nagpur) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited here at the level of Director and Joint Secretary.

All Chief Secretaries of states and Union Territory Administrations and their cadre-controlling authorities have been asked to recommend eligible officers along with vigilance clearance for the vacant posts.

The Chief Vigilance Officers monitor against corruption, malpractices and misconduct on the part of employees and take remedial action besides closely tracking cases related to criminal misconduct of employees and coordinating with the CBI for expeditious disposal of such cases.