Various government departments have been asked to prepare a list of corrupt officials. (India Today graphics)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again claimed that corruption has come down since he took charge and that providing graft-free rule is on top of his priority. Now, to further polish its taint-free image, the government is preparing a crackdown on corrupt officials.

According to a government notification available exclusively with India Today, the vigilance department of each ministry has been asked to prepare a dossier of tainted and corrupt officials.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The Home Ministry is preparing the dossier based on service records of the officials. The ministry has written letters to various departments and all the para military forces to finish the list by August 5, so that further action is initiated. Dossier of corrupt officials and employees will be based on the complaint, enquiry report and conduct of the officials, moral turpitude, dereliction of duty in protecting the interest of the government. It will also examine whether major or minor penalty was imposed against the particular official or not List/dossier of corrupt officials will be approved by the competent authority. After the list/dossier is completed, the vigilance department will keep a watch on such corruption prone officials. Their actions and decisions will be examined to see if they are causing loss to the government for personal benefits. The list will be sent to CBI and CVC, who will monitor the conduct of tainted officials and keep close watch on such officials and take necessary action to prosecute, or recommend departmental action including major penalty, demotion or even dismissal from service. Sources said once list/dossier is ready action against or crackdown will start after August 15.

RULES TO PROBE CORRUPTION CASES AMENDED

Changing an over 50-year-old rule, the government in June set a deadline of six months to complete probe in corruption cases involving its employees

The decision has been taken to speed up the investigation in such cases, most of them pending for quiet a long time

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has amended Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, and decided time-line for critical stages of investigation and enquiry proceedings.

The Inquiring Authority should conclude the inquiry and submit its report within a period of six months, says the amended rules.

However, an extension for a period not exceeding six months at a time may be allowed for any good and sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing by the disciplinary authority, it said

Earlier, there was no time-frame to complete an enquiry.

ALSO READ:

India most corrupt nation in Asia, most Indians believe PM Modi is checking it

Jolt to PM Modi's crusade against corruption as CVC's portal crashes, data against corrupt officials deleted

Modi-Trump meet: Not a single country questioned our decision on surgical strike, says PM

PM Modi draws surgical strikes analogy to fight corruption, black money

WATCH: Mann Ki Baat: Modi assures proactive insurance to farmers facing losses due to floods