New Delhi (22.04.2021): Dismayed over the delay or denial or both in vigilance clearance of officials for 'no fault' of their own, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has advised union ministries to sort out complaints against government officers within three months after they are received.

It pointed out that even after complaints are received against officials, they stay in the vigilance profile of the officials for a long time. 

The CVC noted: “Logical conclusion here implies that the decision shall be taken by the organization to either file the complaint or register a vigilance case for further investigation or register a non-vigilance administrative action case for further investigation.”

It added: “As a pilot, to begin with, the backlog complaints received till December 31, 2020, shall be disposed of according to the guidelines issued in this circular and compliance reported by May 31, 2021,” the CVC added.

The Commission mandated that at the end of the third month from the date of receipt of a complaint and after deciding on the course of action, a copy of the complaint shall be made available to the employee concerned within 15 days through speed post, wherever the name is mentioned in the complaint.

In those cases, it added, where the name of the employee is not explicitly mentioned, a copy of the complaint shall be made available to the staff concerned at the stage of registration of vigilance or non-vigilance case.

Subsequently, once a decision is made to take up the matter as a vigilance case, the organization shall send its inquiry report to the commission or Chief Vigilance Officer seeking first stage advice within three months of registration of such a regular case.