Tarred UPA plans map for the big clean-up-in cleaning up mode10/1/11

Tarred UPA plans map for the big clean-up


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Under attack in a slew of corruption cases, the UPA has decided to come out with, in the next two months, a transparent public procurement policy, a system of fast-tracking cases of corruption against public servants, a check on discretionary powers of ministers and a clear stand on state funding of elections.

These issues, as part of its terms of reference, are to be addressed by the eight-member Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee that was set up last week.

The other members include Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Defence Minister A K Antony, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Law Minister Veerappa Moily, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and Chemicals and Fertilisers minister M K Azhagiri.

The GoM is seen by the Opposition as an attempt by the UPA to offset the criticism over its initial reluctance to take action against A Raja in the 2G spectrum scam and the subsequent refusal of the government to set up a JPC probe, as well as the CWG and Adarsh scandals.

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The government notification says that the GoM will propose measures to bring “full transparency in public procurement and contracts including making a public procurement policy”. Government sources said that this will ensure that procurements like those made by various government agencies during the CWG games follow set procedures and transparency levels in future.

According to the terms of reference, the GoM will also “consider and advise” on “consideration of relevance/ need for Section 6(A) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.”

Section 6(A) says that an inquiry against a government employee of the level of Joint Secretary and above shall not be conducted into any offence alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act “except with the previous approval of the Central government”.

The GoM will also look into how cases against public servants accused of corruption charges can be fast-tracked. Cases against bureaucrats, especially senior officials have been pending for years. It will also suggest changes to Article 311 seen as providing a shield for corrupt officials even if they are caught redhanded. For, it says that no official can be dismissed or reduced in rank except after an inquiry and after being given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

The GoM will aim to bring amendments that will allow “summary proceedings in case of gross misdemeanour or blatant corruption by public servants”.

With the Adarsh allotment scandal in mind, the GoM will also look into ways in which the discretionary powers of ministers at the Centre can be curtailed. Finally, the GoM will also take a clear stand on state funding of elections.