CVC extends olive branch to deputy

All files relating to appointments in the government departments and public sector undertakings PSUs are made only after a vigilance clearance is given by the CVC.

Though Mathur has been insisting for a long time now that it was his statutory right to examine all files relating to vigilance clearance, Vittal had not acceded to this demand till now. He reportedly yielded and issued a formal order only when matters threatened to reachflash point.

Perhaps Vittal has saved the CVC from the similar embarrassment caused a few years ago when the President had to intervene to restore statutory powers to G V G Krishnamurthy, who had been deprived work by the then chief election commissioner T N Seshan.

Vittal had reportedly wanted to centralise all the authority with himself when he first issued an order on June 9, 1999. The order No CVC/99/245 stipulated that all files relating to conducting vigilance inquiries against allegedly corrupt officials be sent to him alone.

Mathur, however, refused to take things lying down. He sent a three-page missive to say that CVC is a multi-member body and it could be divided in two parts 8211; vigilance and administrative. While the vigilance work must be done in full consultation, decisions in respect of administrative work could be taken by the chairman after due discussions.

Mathur pointed out that 8220;decisions as to whether action should be initiated or should not be initiated, on any complaint, orinformation, cannot be an administrative matter. Similarly, whether the matter should be referred to the CBI, or to the CVOs of the departments/undertakings/banks/ministries also cannot be an administrative matter8221;.

This being the vital step in the vigilance enquiry and if the same is to be decided by the chairman, 8220;there would be no meaning in having a multi-member commission,8221; Mathur added.