CVC slams depts for selective approach in punishing corrupt

The probity watchdog claimed it has found instances of dilution of its advice of recommended punishment against a corrupt government official.

The CVC found that officers posted at Damgoria Colliery (West Bengal) of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) did not increase the price of coal to bring it at par with that Ramnagar mines of 17 months. This has resulted in loss of over Rs six crore to BCCL, it said adding that the Chief Sales Manager (CSM), the Chief General Manager (CGM) and the Project officer were found to be responsible.

The Commission advised imposition of major penalty on CSM, CGM and minor penalty on project officer. "The Appellate Authority exonerated the CSM," the CVC said in its annual report for 2011.

The CVC found 18 such cases in National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Organic Chemical ltd, Kandla Port Trust, National Thermal Power Corporation, Ministry of Railways, Delhi Development Authority and Municipal Corporation of Delhi among others where the Commission's advise were not adhered to in toto.

"The Commission has also noted with concern that in some of the cases, either the due consultation process with the Commission have not been followed despite the fact that the suspected public servants were falling within the categories where consultation with Commission was mandated or the advices have been partly acted upon or badly delayed.

"There have also been instances where the advice of the Commission has been diluted considerably without approaching the Commission for reconsideration of its advice. The Commission takes a serious view of such cases of non-compliance and non-consultation with CVC," it said. MORE