In the midst of Anna Hazare`s campaign against corruption, a three-member Committee of Experts, formed to examine and recommend measures to expedite the process involved in disciplinary proceedings, has suggested that inquiries of all major offences should be completed within 12 months.
It suggested that officials found involved in corruption should be awarded punishment, including immediate dismissal after completion of probe. For minor offences, the tenure of inquiry should be two months.
"We are considering the suggestions of the committee and planning to issue guidelines soon," an official said.
The other recommendations of the committee include creation of panels of inquiry officers from both serving and retired government servants and enhancement of remuneration for conducting inquiries.
It suggested setting up of vigilance commissions with statutory status in the states, introduction of plea-bargaining in major penalty disciplinary inquiries and major penalty of compulsory retirement to include cut in pension and gratuity.
Amendment of Article 311 of the Constitution to provide for dismissal from service on charges of corrupt practises after beginning of trial in a competent court was another key suggestion of the expert panel.