Government mulls sacking corrupt officers at trial stage

NEW DELHI: As Government and Team Anna slug it out over the Lokpal issue, a move is afoot for sacking public servants chargesheeted for corruption once the trial begins.

The Government told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday it is examining the recommendations of an expert committee which suggested amendment in Article 311 of the Constitution to pave the way for summary dismissal of government officials facing corruption charges after beginning of trial in competent courts.

Minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions V Narayanasamy said in a written reply that a three-member committee of experts was constituted to examine and suggest measures to expedite the process involved in disciplinary and vigilance proceedings.

He said the recommendations are under examination of the Government.

The Minister said the committee has recommended "Amendment of Article 311 of the Constitution to provide for dismissal from service on charges of corrupt practices after beginning of trial in a competent court."

He said the committee has also suggested that second stage consultations with Central Vigilance Commission in such cases be dispensed with.

The Minister said the committee has recommended a time limit of two months for completion of minor penalty disciplinary inquiries and 12 months for major penalty disciplinary inquiries besides making other recommendations.

Narayanasamy said the committee has recommended a cut in pension and gratuity of officials in case of compulsory retirement as major penalty.

The committee has also recommended setting up of Vigilance Commissions with statutory status in states and introduction of plea bargaining in major penalty disciplinary inquiry, he said.