GoM discusses measures to tackle corruption

New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) A ministerial panel todayconsidered a variety of steps like scrapping of discretionarypowers of ministers and the need for a probe agency to seekgovernment nod before launching an inquiry against a seniorofficial.

The Group of Ministers on tackling corruption, headed byFinance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, met here this evening forover an hour and is understood to have favoured fast-trackingof all cases of corruption in which public servants areaccused.

The panel is also learnt to have discussed thepossibility of amending Article 311 of the Constitution toprovide for summary proceedings in case of grave misdemeanouror blatant corruption by public servants.

Department of Personnel and Training had last monthwritten to all ministries asking them to provide details ofdiscretionary powers enjoyed by the ministers.

It had also sought details of the instances in which suchpowers were used by the ministers and senior functionaries ofthe ministries.

The information has already been submitted to the GoM,which has to take a call to withdraw the discretionary powersenjoyed by ministers should be withdrawn.

The GoM, which will also suggest administrative actionsto tackle corruption and improve transparency, has been askedto submit its recommendations by March six.

Law Minister M Veerappa Moily, Chemical and FertilizersMinister M K Alagiri and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawarwere not present at the meeting.

Home Minister P Chidambaram, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal,Defence Minister A K Antony and Railway Minister MamataBanerjee attended the meeting.