Chief Vigilance Commission is an autonomous body constituted by an Act of the Legislature. Chief Vigilance Commissioner has to report to the Head of the State on vigilance related matters and seek guidance from him in the discharge of his official duties. A number of alleged corruption cases against state functionaries have been brought to the notice of the CVC. The system of tackling corruption cases in which Government functionaries are involved is to ask for departmental inquiry in the first stage. The Government has appointed Departmental Vigilance Officers who are supposed to conduct preliminary inquiry into an alleged case. Thereafter he has to submit his report to the higher authorities for necessary action. Scores of cases in various departments are pending final decision by the DVOs. Despite reminders by the CVC to the DVOs to complete inquiry into the pending cases, no positive reaction is available from the DVOs. In many cases, even the inquiry has not been initiated leave aside bringing it to completion within the stipulated period.
Obviously, there seems to be a nexus of sorts between the defaulters and those who are supposed to deal with allegations of corruption departmentally before handing over the case to the CVC. The DVOs are sitting on the files and dragging the matter on until people forget it and the case is sent to the cold store. During the short stint of the Governor’s rule before the coalition Government formally took over, the Governor had initiated expeditious conduct of inquiry against alleged Government functionaries. The people had appreciated his eagerness to ensure eradication of corruption from the State administration. However, after the formation of the elected Government with which he stopped functioning as the chief executive, anti-corruption initiatives came to a standstill. Dismayed over the performance of the Departmental Vigilance Officers and their intentional delaying of inquiry into alleged cases, the CVC has submitted a report to the Governor disclosing the sad story of DVOs failing to complete inquiries into the departmental cases within stipulated time, and thus allowing corrupt officials go scot-free. Amusingly, as the conduct of inquiry procrastinated, many of the indicted officials have reached the age of superannuation. They are happily enjoying the fruits of their corrupt practices.
Obviously, Chief Vigilance Commissioner’s report has made the Governor unhappy. He has to take the matter seriously because he, too, is committed to give the State a corruption-free administration. Therefore, utilizing his powers, the Governor has directed the DVOs to expedite departmental inquiry into their respective departments, and submit the compliance report by the end of March 2016. A large number of departmental inquiries are pending since long. Doubts arise whether the Government is interested in putting an end to corruption. Governor’s reprimand of DVOs should be a revelation for the Government as it conveys subtle message that much more needs to be done in meeting the challenge of deep-rooted corruption in the State.
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