Role of CVO in fighting corruption

In the entire chain of registering, investigating and decision making in corruption complaints, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) is the most important link after Disciplinary Authority, but it is also the weakest link. Officers in various government organizations exploit the tool of ‘deputation’ to avoid out-of-station transfers and secure appointments in those organizations where CVC-sponsored CVOs are appointed.

It is very difficult to believe that a person who has manipulated his own appointment as CVO will be an honest investigator in corruption cases. Manipulation in India does not come free. It needs both money and contacts at the right places. A CVO once commented that this is a life-time chance in his service life, and he will be a fool if he does not take advantage of it. He said that he has to recover the money he has spent on securing this appointment. I told him that I am totally against these outsider CVOs as they will be putting their own interest over the interest of the organization. Seeing the performance of successive CVOs in India's National Standards Body, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), I have been proved right.

It is required to provide solutions to the problems, but problems should not be created in the name of providing solutions. Successive CVOs in BIS have created vigilance problems to prove that they are needed and then to assert their authority. If today, BIS is mired in neck-deep corruption then it is because of these outsider CVOs. I remember writing in one issue of Contact (BIS Officers Association Journal) that a Police Station has been opened in BIS.

The case of Ms Harjot Kaur, IAS CVO in BIS is fresh in mind. She openly threatened (in presence of DG) members of BIS Employees Union. She organized illegal raids on some Mumbai licensees to teach lesson to a WRO officer. Complaints were lodged against her. What action has been taken on these complaints has not been informed to the complainants (BISEU and me). She suddenly went on long leave and had not returned till date.

In my comments sent to CVC on draft NACS, I have emphasized on this point. I have commented that CVC should put its own house in order and make CVOs accountable, so that they do not become a link in organized corruption chain in the organization. They should effectively and efficiently fight against corruption as third party and should not themselves become part of the corruption.

In case of Vinod Dhamija, another CVO in BIS, he was even made head of some departments of BIS. He created his own interest group in BIS and took all advantages. CVOs in BIS have manipulated number of cadre officers to be appointed in vigilance department in HQ and also in some RO/BO. It has depleted the strength of cadre and made these officers ineligible for promotions under FCS. Then CVO and DG violated provisions of FCS to get them promoted. My complaints are there but no action has been taken so far on these violations. All this puts a serious doubt on the honesty and integrity of DA, CVO and the officers who have worked in, or working in vigilance activity or have been illegally promoted.

To achieve the target of zero percent corruption in BIS, the pre-requisite is that BIS has honest, impartial and committed CVO and other officers in vigilance department. The purpose should not be to punish people but to achieve zero corruption in BIS. The initiative should come from the top. Regular and effective monitoring and review is needed in all work areas of the organization. Feedback from any source should be welcome and action be initiated. Who gives the feedback is not important, but to act on it is important.

Let CVOs prove their credentials.