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CVC's crusade

M. Ratnasabapathi, Madurai

This refers to the report `Phase-II reforms must focus on rooting out corruption' (Business Line, June 25). It must be noted that since Mr N. Vittal assumed office as Chief Vigilance Commissioner, he has been ardently crusading to stamp out corruption in the country. He has been striving to acquaint the powers-that-be and the man on the street with the details of corruption, its origin, and those serving as conduits to black money, through papers, lectures, discussions in seminars, conferences, meetings and interactions with intellectuals.

In this context, a Tamil daily's recent report in which the details of corruption cases involving ministers, officials, middlemen and political brokers, in which some have been punished, and some appeals and cases are pending/dropped, and/or still being processed, is worthwhile in many aspects. It would not be difficult to assess how the cases are wilfully delayed at different stages (from the apex court to special courts) despite the fact that all these courts have expressed alarm at the upsurge of cor ruption.

The CVC should be given more teeth to find out why such agencies as the CBI are forced to delay investigations and advise them on remedial measures. According to a news report, hundreds of vacancies for investigator's posts remain unfilled for years. It is an insurmountable task to fill up these posts by drafting suitable officers drawn from the States without the active cooperation of the Union Government. However, if the Centre makes up its mind, this could be accomplished quickly and the number of ca ses pending for investigation could be drastically reduced.