IMPHAL, June 30: A total of 52 posts in different ranks is lying vacant at the Manipur State Vigilance Commission (MSVC) which was set up by the Manipur government as per resolution No 4/4/81-DV on May 28.
Several questions have come up on whether the commission which is one the most important departments can discharge its duties or whether the department in there only for name due to the vacancies.
The resolution adopted when the Manipur government set up the commission provided that other than the Commission being a single member commission, it should carry-out the functions of the commission in the wings of the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, tribunal for disciplinary proceedings and technical experts.
The responsibilities to be taken by the commission are, “The commission undertakes the general check and supervision over all vigilance and anti-corruption work in the state. It causes investigation to be made into any act of a public servant involving corruption, lack of integrity, misdemeanour, misconduct or malpractice on receipt of the investigation report and after examination, the commission advises the disciplinary authorities about the type of proceedings, if any, to be initiated. In cases where the Commissioner, departmental inquiries is appointed as inquiry officer by the state government, the reports are submitted to the vigilance commissioner. The commission also advises the government whenever and wherever necessary about improvement in procedures and practices”.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption is headed by the Director of Vigilance while his subordinate staffs are Superintendent of Police – one, Additional Superintendent of police – two, Deputy Superintendents of Police including on legal matters – eight, Inspector of Police – 22, Sub-Inspector of Police – 14 and police constables including 3 woman constables – 31.
However, the posts which are lying vacant are additional one SP/vigilance post, three Deputy Superintendents of Police, two Section Officers, three Inspectors of police, 13 Sub-Inspectors of police, 22 Constables, 2 Head Clerks and one AE.
On the other hand, the Manipur government from its side has appointed a Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner so as to facilitate departmental einquiry as disciplinary proceeding against the gazetted and the non-gazetted officials of the tribunal wing amongst the three wings of the Single Member Commission.
There are also a Chief Technical Examiner and Account Officer as technical experts in law, engineering and accountancy.
That there are vacancies in the Commission is also clear from the Annual Report of the State Vigilance Commission, Manipur which was tabled in the ongoing 5th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.