Observe due diligence in probe: Order to vigilance officials after mistake by Zonal Railways

The Railway Board has directed its vigilance officials to follow due diligence while investigating cases by giving an opportunity to suspect employees to give their version.

The advisory follows a 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.

‘Lax’ attitude: After recommended of the CVC, major punishment against the charged official, the railway authorities realised that he had no role to play in the composite vigilance case.

When the matter was reverted, the CVC expressed serious displeasure for adopting a “lax” attitude during processing and investigation of the case, sources in the railways said.

To avoid recurrence of such instances, it is advised that the version of suspect official should normally be taken during investigation for arriving at an objective conclusion.

“The process of obtaining response affords an opportunity to the suspect official to explain his/her stand and might clarify the differences in understanding, perception and interpretation of issues.”

As above the Railway Board said in a note to all Senior Deputy General Managers/Chief Vigilance Officers of Zonal Railways, Production Units, Public Sector Undertakings etc.

All investigating officials were directed to demonstrate due diligence during staff accountability exercise and after thorough scrutiny only cases should be submitted to the Vigilance Directorate of the Railway Board for further action.

Expeditious disposal: In a separate advisory, the Railway Board said the CVC had advised all Chief Vigilance Officers of Zonal Railways/PUs/PSUs to ensure expeditious finalisation of disciplinary proceedings/action, particularly in respect of officials likely to retire from service shortly.

Vigilance cases against employees should be investigated and a final report submitted at least two months before his/her retirement to facilitate the Railway Board process the case and get the opinion of CVC.

But the question remains, What action have taken by the Railway Board or CVC against mistaken vigilance officer and CVI who investigated and processed the case in concerned Zonal Railway & in the Railway Board level?

Source: The Hindu