In a significant development, a Railway Board advisory has directed its vigilance officials to follow due diligence and providing an opportunity of explanation to suspected employees, while investigating cases. This advisory comes after a reported mistake in one of the Zonal Railways where an official who had no locus standi in a case was “erroneously” included in the investigation report along with others sent to the Central Vigilance Commission. The CVC recommended major punishment against the official, who was about to get suspension orders, before the railway authorities realised that he had no role to play in the composite vigilance case. When the matter was reverted, the CVC expressed displeasure for adopting a “lax” attitude during processing of the case, sources in the railways said on Monday.
To avoid recurrence of such instances, the Railway Board in its advisory, has instructed that the version of suspect official should be taken during investigation for arriving at an objective conclusion. The Railway Board sent this advisory note to all Senior Deputy General Managers/Chief Vigilance Officers of Zonal Railways, Production Units, Public Sector Undertakings etc.
In a separate advisory, the Railway Board said the CVC had advised all Chief Vigilance Officers to ensure expeditious finalisation of disciplinary proceedings/action, particularly in respect of officials likely to retire from service shortly.
