Taking serious note of the irresponsible approach adopted by Departmental Vigilance Officers (DVOs) of the Power Development Department (PDD) in settling the corruption complaints, the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) has impressed upon the authorities of the PDD to ensure action on complaints and enquires in a time bound manner.These directions were issued by the Commission at a meeting chaired by the Chief Vigilance Commissioner here today. The meeting was convened to review the progress of 258 complaints pertaining to abuse of office/corruption, as well as Regular Departmental Actions lying pending with the Power Development Department for action. The PDD has so far been able to take action on 9 complaints only last eight months whereas remaining have not been attended to.18 complaints on which Vigilance Organization has completed enquiry and found prima facie evidence for action against involved officers/ officials and recommended Regular Departmental Actions (RDAs) after serving of charge sheet are also pending with the department, some of them for years together. The Commission observed that keeping RDAs pending for such a long time tantamounts to shielding the erring officials and directed Principal Secretary, PDD to initiate action against officers responsible for various omissions and commissions early and punish them under relevant service rules.
Noticing the delaying tactics being adopted by the authorities of PDD in finalising the complaints, the Commission instructed the concerned officers to reconcile their records with the Vigilance Organisation and conclude action on them and submit compliance report thereof before the Commission on next meeting fixed on May 30,2016.While discussing on power theft and illegal connection issues, resorted to by some persons especially Saw Mill owners and industrial units, the Commission asked the officers of PDD to book them under relevant law. The Commission also directed them to take stern action against those officials of PDD, who are involved in aiding and shielding such elements.Regarding e-tendering and e-procurement of electrical goods, a report has been sought from the department. The Commission also directed the officers of the PDD to evolve a mechanism in the department so that rate contract for fast moving spares are fixed in advance through e-tendering in order to get these items on competitive rates that too in a transparent manner rather than resorting to their purchase as an emergency and at exorbitant rates without e-tendering.Expressing dismay over the working of internal vigilance system in the department, the Commission underlined the need for taking appropriate measures for strengthening the system in the department.Vigilance Commissioners, Dr. R.K.Jerth and Gous-Ul-Nisa, besides senior officers from SVC and PDD were present.