Over 50 per cent decline in corruption complaints: CVC
There has been a decline of over 50 per cent in graft complaints with nearly 30,000 of them received last year as against over 62,000 in 2014, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has said.
The CVC received 29,838 complaints in 2015, the lowest in the past four years. It had received 62,362 such complaints, a decrease of about 52 per cent (or 32,524 complaints) during 2014, according to the report recently tabled in Parliament.
The probity watchdog had received 31,432 and 37,039 complaints of alleged corruption during 2013 and 2012 respectively, says the Commission’s annual report for 2015.
In 2011, it had got 16,929 such complaints. “The decline in the number of complaints received during 2015 as compared to the previous year 2014 is attributed to the multiple complaints received from some complainants during 2014,” the report said.
Of the total complaints received last year, 12,650 of them were vague or unverifiable. “After scrutiny of complaints received, the Commission calls for inquiry or investigation reports from the appropriate agencies only in those complaints which contain serious and verifiable allegations and there is a clear vigilance angle.
“As per the laid down procedure, the inquiry or investigation reports are required to be sent to the Commission within a period of three months,” it said. However, it is observed that in a majority of cases there is considerable delay in finalising and submission of reports to the Commission, the CVC said.
“Inordinate delays in submission of inquiry or investigation reports to the Commission are a matter of serious concern. In such situation, the Commission may call Chief Executive Officers or Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) concerned personally with records and documents,” it said.
A total of 30,789 complaints (including some brought forward from those made in 2014) were disposed last year. Similarly, a total of 62,099 and 33,284 complaints were disposed during 2014 and 2013. The CVC took necessary action In 33,308 such plaints during 2012 as against 17,238 in 2011, the report said.
“Out of the complaints disposed of during the year by the Commission, only 179 (0.58 per cent) were found serious enough to warrant further follow up action at the Commission’s end and these complaints were forwarded to the CVOs concerned or the CBI, for investigation and report,” it said.