New Delhi: Expressing serious concern over delay in finalising corruption cases, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Monday asked all departments to complete these inquiries within a maximum period of six months to keep away "nothing will change" notion associated with governance.
The move comes after the Commission noted that administrative authorities are not adhering to the time-schedule prescribed for completion of disciplinary proceedings.
"In a recent study conducted by the Commission, it has been noticed that while the average time taken by the administrative authorities in finalisation of disciplinary proceedings is more than two years, the maximum time taken in a particular case was eight years and at least in 22 per cent cases the inquiry took more than two years," the Central Vigilance Commission said.
The time-limit for completion of departmental inquiries is six months from the date of appointment of inquiry officer.
"Thus, it appears that this time limit is not being adhered to by a majority of the departments or organisations. Such long delays not only are unjust to officials who may be ultimately acquitted, but help the guilty evade punitive action for long periods.
"Further, they have an adverse impact on others who believe that 'nothing will happen'. The Commission has been emphasising from time to time on the need of expeditious completion of disciplinary proceedings," it said in a stern directive to all the departments.
The CVC has asked disciplinary authorities in each ministry and departments to regularly monitor the progress of inquiry on regular basis and ensure that they are completed within the prescribed time limit.
