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

If departmental action is taken in time, promotion of those returning after suspension can be stopped and they may be demoted if necessary. The situation of taking bribes again can be avoided.
Pension can be withheld till the court verdict. Dismissal proceedings may commence as soon as the judgment is rendered. Those who know this will not dare to take bribes.

Departmental action as follows

Disciplinary action for corporal punishment shall be as per Part V, Rule 15 of the Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1960.
It shall be ensured that there is no delay in initiating proceedings for removal from service under Rule-18 of Part Five of this Act.
Disciplinary action with severe punishment under Part Five Rule-15 should be made mandatory against those involved in more than one vigilance case or vigilance investigation.
The authorities should ensure that there is no delay in sanctioning prosecution against those caught in the bribery trap of vigilance.

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