Govt accepts GOM recommendations on corrupt babus

The government also approved that the second stage of consultation with Central Vigilance Commission in disciplinary matters may be dispensed with in an attempt to fast track all cases of public servants accused of corruption.

In separate notifications issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, the government also asked the CVC to maintain a pool of investigating officers and presenting officers from the retired personnel who can act as inquiry officers in all ministries and departments.

In reference to central officers above the level of Joint Secretary, the government has accepted the recommendations of the GoM headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee which authorises the minister concerned as a competent authority. "In such cases, intimation of refusal to grant permission along with reasons thereof will have to be put to the Prime Minister," the notification said.

In its first notification for strengthening of vigilance set-up in Ministries and Departments, the DoPT said "the recommendation of the GoM has been accepted by the government with the approval of the Prime Minister.

"All Ministries and departments are, therefore, advised to strictly adhere to the new procedure with immediate effect," it said, adding the CVC has been separately requested to amend its Vigilance Manual and other relevant instructions.

The notification said all ministries and departments have been advised to strengthen their vigilance administration with requisite manpower with a view to ensuring expeditious disposal of disciplinary cases.

"The Ministries/Department may, where appropriate, consider setting up of a monitoring cell to review and monitor the progress of all pending disciplinary inquiries on a day to day basis, with a view to ensuring their timely conclusion," it said.

In another notification for dispensing with the second stage consultation with the CVC in disciplinary cases, the GoM, while considering the Hota Committee report, decided the second stage consultation with the CVC in disciplinary matters may be done away with.

However, in those cases where consultation with UPSC is not required as per extant rules or instructions, the second stage consultation with the CVC should continue, it said.

In its third notification on appointment of Inquiry Officers (IO) and Presenting Officer (PO) in disciplinary cases, the DoPT accepted the recommendations of the GoM that departments and ministries should primarily use serving officers as IOs and POs.

In important cases, they may request the CVC to appoint Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries  (CDI) as Inquiry Officers. The GoM has also recommended that the CVC may also maintain a panel of IO/PO from among retired officers whose services can also be utilised by various ministries and departments.

While accepting the recommendations of the GoM, the DoPT has asked all ministries and departments to use serving officers and IO and PO and in important cases, request the CVC to appoint their CDI as IO.

"They may also, in appropriate cases, utilise the services of IO/PO who would be available on the panel to be maintained by the CVC, in consultation with the CVC," it said.

In the notification for permission to initiate investigation by CBI in respect of officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above serving central government, the GoM has recommended that the competent authority shall decide the matter within three months of receipt of request accompanies with relevant documents.

It will have to give "speaking order" giving reasons for its decision and in the event of refusal, the reasons shall be put up to the next higher authority for information within one week of taking the decision, the notification said.

On officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above, the competent authority in these cases will be the Minister in charge in the government. "In such cases, intimation of refusal to grant permission along with reasons thereof, will have to be put up to the Prime Minister," it said.