Expedite probe against employees under CBI lens: CVC to depts

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked all central government departments to speed up pending departmental inquiries against officials allegedly found involved in corruption after CBI investigation.
The move comes after the CVC observed that a number of inquiry proceedings are pending with the departmental inquiry officers as officers concerned are not able to make available documents in such cases.
"It appears that this problem is particularly acute in respect of disciplinary proceedings initiated on account of investigation by the CBI," the probity watchdog said.
All Chief Vigilance Officers, who act as distant arm of the CVC, are advised to review the pending inquiries with the departmental inquiry officers, it said.

"There is a long list of pending inquiries against government employees named in CBI cases. The commission has sought details of these pending cases from all departments so that they can be completed early," a senior CVC official said.
The time limit for completion of departmental inquiries is six months from the date of appointment of the inquiry officer.
A total of 2,411 gazetted-rank officers working in public sector undertakings and other central government departments are allegedly involved in corruption, as per a submission made by CBI Director Anil Sinha before a parliamentary committee, report of which was tabled in the Parliament last month.

The CVC has earlier asked disciplinary authorities in each ministry and department to regularly monitor the progress in such inquiries on regular basis and ensure that these are completed within the prescribed time limit.