THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Officers caught by vigilance for bribery will be dismissed as soon as the court punishes them. At present there is a provision for this, but due to lapses in departmental procedures, it does not reach the stage of dismissal. The court process will drag on and the corrupt will return after suspension and retire with promotion. The Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Dr. V Venu, has issued a circular asking the officials to be suspended and subjected to disciplinary action as soon as they are arrested and to ensure that departmental punishment is given to them. This is part of the 'Corruption Free Kerala' policy. Kerala Kaumudi had reported on May 26 and 28 that the vigilance recommended immediate dismissal of bribe takers and that government will take action immediately.
Home Secretary pointed out that the Supreme Court has ordered that the disciplinary action taken at the departmental level against the culprit and the court punishment which is part of the criminal case should be viewed differently. Regardless of whether the convict appeals against the sentence, the accused can be dismissed under the Service Rules.
No promotion will be given
Departmental action as follows
Motion to dismiss the accused immediately
Chief minister is considering the vigilance recommendation that officials caught for bribery should be dismissed within three months after completion of the departmental investigation. It is proposed to amend the law so that the court can be convinced by strong scientific evidence and the officers can be dismissed before conviction. The video-audio of the bribery transaction, the phone call of the bribe demand and the statement of the complainant will be evidence. A Gazetted Officer appointed by the Collector shall be made the witness and the Magistrate shall be informed in advance of the serial numbers of the notes to be handed over as bribe.
"Bribers should be fired based on trap cases. Only the fear of losing their jobs will scare them. Internal vigilance in the departments will be strengthened.
-Manoj Abraham
Head of Vigilance