Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

16-December-2011 19:03 IST

The institutionalized mechanism is prescribed in the Vigilance Manual of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).  Anti-corruption  measures of the Central Government  are the responsibility of (i) Administrative  Vigilance Division (AVD)  in the Department of Personnel & Training (ii) Central Bureau of Investigation; and (iii) Vigilance  units in the Ministries/Departments of Government of India , Central Public Enterprises and other autonomous  organizations; (iv)  the disciplinary  authorities; and (v) the Central Vigilance Commission. In addition, a Special Investigation Cell in the Department of Banking Supervision (DBS) in RBI and a Group of Officers in the Cabinet Secretariat, also examine the complaints received against the Board level appointees of Public Sector Banks (PSBs).

Nature of the complaints against Board level appointees of PSBs includes allegations relating to graft in sanction of credit proposals, compromise settlements, write off, takeover of accounts from the other banks, irregularities in grant of advances, abuse of official position, possessing disproportionate  assets etc.

Number of complaints received in CVC against Bank Officers of the level of Scale–V and above during the year 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 (January - July) are 83, 116, 101, 107 and 48 respectively. The year-wise and Bank–wise details are annexed.

Such complaints are enquired by the Chief Vigilance Officers/Direct Inquiry Officers in CVC/Central Bureau of Investigation and appropriate action is taken against the delinquent officials as per their Conduct and Disciplinary Rules.

Many complaints received in CVC/Government are found to be anonymous or frivolous in nature. Such complaints are filed in the first instance or sent to the concerned CVO for necessary action. Remaining   complaints are taken up by CVC for verification of facts /allegations.  Status of such complaints are as under:

During this period (2007 to till June 2011), CBI has investigated 62 cases out of which 44 cases have been disposed off and  18 cases are  still under investigation.

RBI has issued various circulars for prevention of frauds and malpractices in banks .Some of the important circulars are as mentioned below:

(i) DBOD Circular dated 25.8.1992 on recommendation of the Committee to enquire into  various aspects  relating to frauds and mal- practices in banks

(ii)  DBS Circular dated 1.11.1996 conveying recommendations of the Working Group on internal controls and inspection of audit systems in banks.

(iii)   DBS Circular dated 20.9.2004 on strengthening of internal vigilance machinery in banks and financial institutions.

(iv) DBS circular dated 16.9.2009 on fraud prevention and management function.

(v)  DBS circular dated 31.5.2011 on findings and forensic scrutiny – guidelines for prevention of frauds.

           

Banks are required to submit report on each fraud to RBI.  RBI may discuss these matters in the structured meetings held between the Banks and RBI.

……..

Annexure as referred to in reply to Lok Sabha USQ.No.3750 for 16.12.2011

Year/Bank-wise details of complaints received in CVC against Bank  Officers of the level of Scale -V and above during the year 2007 to 2011(till July, 2011)

 This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri   Namo Narain Meena in written reply to an Unstarred Question in Lok  Sabha today.

DSM/Hb

Vigilance and anti-corruption oversight prompts inquiries and disciplinary action against senior bank officials for alleged malpractices. Institutional vigilance and anti-corruption mechanisms govern complaints and investigative action against senior bank officials, with responsibility shared among administrative vigilance divisions, the Central Bureau of Investigation, vigilance units in banks and departments, disciplinary authorities, and the Central Vigilance Commission; RBI and the Cabinet Secretariat also examine board-level complaints. Complaints alleging corrupt credit sanctioning, write-offs, improper takeovers, abuse of position, and disproportionate assets are triaged by CVOs or verified by central agencies, and RBI issues circulars mandating fraud reporting and internal-control strengthening.