Corrupt babus to be punished sooner

Govt planning to fast track hearing of graft cases

In a move to check the dent on its image, the government has announced a number of measures, including fixing a three-month time limit to give nod for proceedings against the corrupt babus.

Apart from setting up an additional 71 fast-track special CBI courts, it was decided to do away with ministers’ discretionary powers for land allotment, grant of telephone and petrol pumps.

In winter session

The government also decided to present a bill on public procurement in the Winter Session of Parliament.

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid and Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy announced the measures following the recommendations made by a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Pranab Mukherjee on corruption.

Besides a three-month period to grant sanction for prosecution of officials,  the corrupt officials would have to bear 10 per cent cut in pension after a minor penalty for a period not exceeding five years.

There would be 20 per cent cut in pension of the officials and compulsory retirement for those facing a major penalty.

In case, the sanction to prosecute is to be denied, the competent authority would have to submit its order, including the reasons for refusal, to the next higher authority within seven days.

Wherever the minister in-charge is the competent authority, it would be necessary for him or her to report the denial of sanction of prosecution to the prime minister in seven days.

Committee

The ministers also announced that a committee headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge would be set up to study the cases pending for more than 10 years to make recommendations for speedy disposal or withdrawal.

Steps taken

*  Three-month period to give grant sanction  for prosecution of corrupt officials.

*  An additional 71 fast track special CBI courts will be set up.

*  Ministers’ discretionary powers for land allotment, grant of telephone and petrol pumps will be withdrawn

*  The erring officials must have to bear 10 pc cut in pension after a minor penalty for less than five years

*   Twenty per cent cut in pension and compulsory retirement for those facing a major penalty