New CVC promises dishonest officers will be brought to book

Newly-appointed Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar today said that dishonest officers will be brought to book soon. He sought from the government more resources and manpower to strengthen the Commission to deal with corruption "ruthlessly and fearlessly".

In an interview with CNBC-TV18's Bhupendra Chaubey, he stated that a lot issues have cropped up in the 2G scam, Common Wealth games, etc and action will be taken on this front.
"The (CVC) Act only provides that officers of certain level and above will be handled by the CVC. But there are more cases of corruption and the solution does not lie in not dealing with the cases. What it means is to strengthen the CVC with more resources and people at its command so that it can tackle the corruption wherever it exists," Kumar said. 
He said that corruption in government departments has to be dealt "ruthlessly and firmly" as it was necessary for good governance.  "Corruption is a scorch. It adversely impacts all of us. It distorts our decision making, leads to distorted priorities and it is against good governance. So corruption has to be dealt with ruthlessly and firmly," he told CNBC-TV18.
 A former Defence Secretary, 62-year-old Kumar took over as CVC on July 14 following ouster of his predecessor P J Thomas from the office after the Supreme Court quashed his appointment citing a pending charge sheet in a corruption case against him. Kumar, however, refused to speak on Thomas' removal. Kumar said necessary action will be taken against those found involved in Commonwealth Games and Adarsh society scams.  "Lots of things are happening on 2G scam and CWG scam.
There is a Shunglu Committee report, there is CVC report and other things are happening. CVC has recommended action. Those who are to take action are processing that...action will be taken those who are found responsible," he said.
"There was a problem itself in procedures and maintenance of land records etc (in Adarsh society). That procedural part need to be remedied. But deterrent action should be taken against those who violate. Ultimately the CBI is investigating the matter.
"...But if violation is there then people should bepunished and be given deterrent punishment. The system should also be so designed that this kind of scam does not take place," Kumar said.
He said the CVC will tackle corruption by using preventive approach as well as taking stringent deterrent action. "Our effort will be to deal with corruption at all levels with preventive approach and stringent deterrent action.Preventive proactive approach includes sensitising people and inculcating right values in them," he said. Also watch the accompanying video for Bhupendra Chaubey's comments. (With inputs from PTI)