Vigilance Activities and Achievements

Vigilance activities

11.1 The Department of Fertilizers has been pursuing a two-pronged strategy for dealing with corruption by being pro-active as well as reactive and by taking speedy and timely actions on the complaints and by exercising superintendence and supervision over the vigilance adminstration of nine fertilizer Public sector Undertakings and two Multi-State Co-operative Societies-IFFCO & KRIBHCO, under its jurisdiction- as well as over the Department. The vigilance set up is headed by Joint Secretary (Administration and Vigilance) who is assisted by Dy. Secretary (Vigilance) and a Desk Officer.

11.2 Being the watch-dog of fertilizer PSUs/Cooperative Societies, Department paid due attention to streamlining the procedures and practices prevailing in these organisation so as to make their working more transparent and systematic, thus minimizing the chances of corruption. For effective supervision and monitoring of the functioning of Vigilance Departments, CVO's meetings were convened under the chairmanship of Secretary (F) alongwith frequent informal and formal interaction with CVOs of PSUs/ Cooperatives at the level of Chief Vigilance Officer.

11.3 'Vigilance Awareness Week' was observed during 31st October to 4th November, 2000. Secretary (Fertilizers) administered the pledge to the staff. A Quiz programme was organised during the week.

11.4 In order to maintain transparency and streamlining of the procedures and practices in sensitive areas of working of PSUs/Societies, periodic updation of manuals in key areas like purchases, stores, operations, finance and personnel management is also undertaken.

11.5 An agreed List and list of public servants of Doubtful Intergrity were prepared.

Punitive action

i) A functional Director of a Multi-State Cooperative Society was discharged from service after departmental proceedings;

ii) 106 complaints were received from various sources against the official of PSUs/Cooperatives which were processed;

iii) Two Directors of PSUs were charge-sheeted;

iv) Departmental proceedings ordered against a number at below Board level officials of PSUs in consultation with CVC who were found involved in irregularities based on complaint received in The Department. Four cases were referred to CBI for investigation.

v) Sensitive posts were identified within the department. Staff posted on these are being rotated after every 3-5 years.

vi) Strengthening of vigilance structure in PSUs/ Cooperative as per the norms prescribed by CVC/DPE.

vii) Directives were issued to all Chief Executives to make it a habit to record reasons /justifications for their decision in cases involving deviation/variance from the established procedures/practice.

viii) Directives were issued to all Chief Executives not to distribute costly gifts on the occasion of Diwali etc. and also to discontinue the practice of presenting gift & to The CMD visiting plants.