Railways tops in corruption complaints: CVC

NEW DELHI: Over 8,800 complaints of alleged graft against railway employees were received by the Central Vigilance Commission last year.

A total of 8,805 complaints of alleged corruption were received against Railways employees, followed by 8,430 against banks employees and 5,026 against Income tax officials, 4,783 against Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi and 3,921 against Urban Development employees during 2011, the CVC said in its annual report.

Besides, the CVC received 2,960 complaints of corruption against employees working under Information and Broadcasting ministry, 1,918 against Department of Telecommunications, 1,877 against Petroleum Ministry officials, 1,544 against Food and Consumer Affairs department and 1,296 against Custom and Excise department among others, it said.

The CVC, in its report tabled in Parliament recently, also noted delays and deficiencies while processing corruption related cases by certain government departments involving senior functionaries.

"Delay in processing vigilance cases continues to be a major issue. Delays take place in processing the complaints or cases and also in taking decisions by the competent authorities who, in all cases, are senior level functionaries in the organisations.

"The Commission has been making constant efforts to sensitise all concerned about the importance of timely and efficient handling of vigilance related matters. However, it has been observed that the organisations continue to be indifferent and apathetic," the report said.

However, the CVC annual report for 2011 did not have any mention of probe related to alleged corruption in Commonwealth Games related projects.