THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has streamlined the procedures to ensure that Vigilance clearance certificates for postings and promotions in government departments are issued within five days. So far, clearance was often issued very late by the VACB. This led to many tainted officials securing key postings pending clearance.
According to a recent circular issued by Vigilance director Jacob Thomas, Vigilance clearance requests received in VACB head office and units should be passed within five days of receipt. A new format for giving the reply was also prescribed which includes all relevant information pertaining to the person concerned.
The intelligence cells in VACB have been directed to regularly update the list of public servants with poor reputation and send the list to SP(Intelligence) in VACB headquarters on a monthly basis. The intelligence cells in VACB should collect and update information about major disciplinary actions and involvement in criminal cases or any other adverse notices against public servants in their jurisdiction. Relevant information should also be updated on a weekly basis on ‘VACB Suite,’ the software application of VACB.
To ensure speedy issuance of clearance certificates, the VACB unit heads are also authorised to issue certificates on requests received from district-level offices. The Vigilance director also directed the investigating officials to complete all investigations and inquiries within the stipulated time. Vigilance clearance is sought mainly for senior-level appointments, promotions, deputations and even granting awards.
