Group of Ministers suggests scrapping of discretionary quota to tackle corruption

New Delhi: Cornered by a string of scams, the Centre has set the ball rolling on tackling corruption. The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Corruption which met in New Delhi on Monday night has decided to recommend, among other proposals, the scrapping of discretionary quotas in all ministries.

The eight-member panel was formed last month and has sixty days to come up with its suggestions.

Now, in its first set of recommendations to the Cabinet, the GoM has decided in favour of:

• Fast-tracking of corruption cases involving public servants within three months

• Sanction of prosecution for all chargesheeted public servants within three months

• Disciplinary proceedings in corruption cases to be completed within a year

• Scrapping of discretionary powers enjoyed by ministers

Out of the 54 ministries, 38 have discretionary quotas which have  often been misused to shower favours. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had earlier called for the removal of discretionary powers of ministers at the Congress' plenary session in Delhi.

The panel though is in favour of retaining statutory powers of ministers that are derived by the rule of Parliament.

There was no consensus though, on the summary dismissal of public servants in grave corruption cases.

The Law Ministry has argued that public servants can be dismissed from service citing reasons of national security.

The ministerial panel decided to take up the matter at a later stage.