<p>In an attempt to eliminate graft in the bureaucracy, the Centre on Thursday decided to slap a hefty fine on the guilty. According to the new provision, an official found guilty of minor charges will lose 10 per cent of pension, while those compulsorily retired as a major penalty will lose 20 per cent.<br /><br />The Centre also decided to put inquiries into graft charges against public servants on fast track by eliminating multiple tiers in the consultation process.<br /><br />These are among a series of measures the government will implement immediately following recommendations made in the first report of a Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Until now, a government servant on the verge of retirement could escape inquiry after paying a minor penalty. Now, mere superannuation would not be a ground for dropping proceedings for a minor penalty.<br /><br />Up to 10 per cent cut in pension comes under minor penalty and will be subject to a ceiling of five years as a life-long reduction in pension would come under the category of major penalty. The existing major penalty of compulsory retirement with full benefits may be enhanced to compulsory retirement with up to 20 per cent cut in pension.<br /><br />However, officers compulsorily retired for non-performance will not suffer any cut in pension, sources said.<br /><br /></p>
<p>In an attempt to eliminate graft in the bureaucracy, the Centre on Thursday decided to slap a hefty fine on the guilty. According to the new provision, an official found guilty of minor charges will lose 10 per cent of pension, while those compulsorily retired as a major penalty will lose 20 per cent.<br /><br />The Centre also decided to put inquiries into graft charges against public servants on fast track by eliminating multiple tiers in the consultation process.<br /><br />These are among a series of measures the government will implement immediately following recommendations made in the first report of a Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Until now, a government servant on the verge of retirement could escape inquiry after paying a minor penalty. Now, mere superannuation would not be a ground for dropping proceedings for a minor penalty.<br /><br />Up to 10 per cent cut in pension comes under minor penalty and will be subject to a ceiling of five years as a life-long reduction in pension would come under the category of major penalty. The existing major penalty of compulsory retirement with full benefits may be enhanced to compulsory retirement with up to 20 per cent cut in pension.<br /><br />However, officers compulsorily retired for non-performance will not suffer any cut in pension, sources said.<br /><br /></p>
