CVC clears 541 cases and makes recoveries of Rs 3.16 crore

New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has disposed of 541 cases and effected recoveries to the tune of Rs 3.16 crore during the month of May.

In action recommended by the Commission and action taken by the administrative authorities on its recommendation last month, launch of prosecution was advised against 22 officers including seven from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and three from the Central Board of Excise and Customs, a spokesman here said.

On the CVC's advice, competent administrative authorities issued sanctions for prosecution against 33 officers.

Based on the investigation reports submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Chief Vigilance Officers, the Commission had advised initiation of major penalty proceedings in 160 cases during May 2006 including against 21 officers from Public Sector Banks. It also advised imposition of major penalty in 86 cases.

On the agency's advice tendered in earlier months, major penalty was imposed on 59 officers.

During the month of May, the CVC recommended initiation of minor penalty proceeding in 96 cases and imposition of minor penalty in 24 cases. The administrative authorities, on the advice of the Commission have imposed minor penalties on 71 officials and closure/exoneration of the charges in 207 cases.

Since April 2004, the Commission has been designated to receive written complaints or disclosure on any allegation of corruption or of misuse of office by any employee of the government.

Accordingly, during May 2006, the Commission had forwarded 10 complaints for a report to the respective organisations.

In the past two years, 298 complaints have been sent for investigation and report, 298 for investigation and 319 have been filed. Departmental action has been advised in 30 cases, the spokesman added.

In five cases, however, the Commission observed that penalty imposed by the departments/organisations were in deviation from the agency's advice.

During January to May 2006, the Commission advised prosecution in 114 cases, of which prosecution was sanctioned in 92 cases. Of the total 820 cases where major penalty proceedings were advised, penalty was imposed in 307 cases.

Out of 355 minor penalty proceedings initiated, penalty was imposed in 348 cases.

Exoneration/closure was granted in in 895 cases. In all, Rs 12.94 crore was recovered during the investigations in the first five months of the year.

At the same time, the Commission expressed concern over continuing delay in filling the post of CVOs in key organisations like the Airports Authority of India, GAIL, Kolkata Port Trust and DDA.

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