CVC tells depts to probe corruption cases from CAG reports

The CVC has asked all central government departments to probe cases of alleged corruption pointed out in CAG reports in last three financial years.
The move comes after the probity watchdog found that Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs), who act as its distant arm to check corruption in government departments, were not examining such reports and actions were not being taken against the government employees for their involvement in corruption.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has in its some reports, especially including those on allocation of coal blocks, second generation (2G) spectrum and Commonwealth Games, have pointed out various irregularities and alleged corruption besides notional loss worth several crore of rupees to the exchequer.

In a directive issued recently, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked all its CVOs to examine the audit reports (internal, statutory and CAG reports) relating to their organisations for the last three financial years -- 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 -- and to submit their findings to the Commission.
The entire exercise need to be completed within three months time, it said.
"In cases of observations in audit reports wherein matters of prima facie vigilance angle or corruption are noticed, the CVOs would complete their inquiries in individual instances or cases fixing responsibilities of the officials concerned and thereafter make a self-contained reference seeking the first stage advice of the Commission as per prescribed procedure," the CVC said.

The fact of review or examination of these audit reports may be reported in the annual reports of their respective organisations by the CVOs, the Commission said.

"The audit reports of the CAG many a time reveal not only administrative and financial irregularities, but also instances of corruption and lapses involving vigilance overtones.
"Apart from relying to all such audit reports, no serious exercise is undertaken to identify officials responsible for deterrent action, wherever, necessary by the administrative authorities," it said.
The Commission directs all CVOs of central government ministries, departments, public sector banks and insurance companies, autonomous organisations and societies to examine CAG reports and submit their findings, the directive said.