(a) whether the Railways have suffered loss of crores of rupees due to corruption
prevailing in its various departments;
(b) if so, the number of corruption cases reported in the Railways during 2005-06;
(c) the action taken against officials/ persons found guilty; and
(d) the steps taken to check corruption in Railways?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI NARANBHAIJ. RATHWA)
(a) It is not possible to quantify the losses incurred due to corruption in the
Railways.
(b) As a result of Preventive checks conducted and complaints investigated 10,223
cases were handled by the Railways during the year 2005-06.
(c) 6741 officials (Gazetted & Non-gazetted) were punished during 2005-06.
(d) A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART fd) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3111 BY SHRI TUKARAM
GANPATRAO RENGE PATIL & SHRI BIR SINGH MAHATO TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 11.05.2006
REGARDING CORRUPTION IN RAILWAYS.
Steps Taken by Vigilance to check corruption in the Railways.
(d) The following steps have been taken by the Vigilance to check corruption on the Railways:-
# Bridge the gap between demand and supply by augmentation of the capacity of trains.
# Intensify checks at reservation offices, booking counters, parcel and goods booking
offices and other such offices, which deal with the public not only by Vigilance Organization
but also by the senior officers of the concerned departments.
# Keeping a watch on the working of officials of doubtful integrity.
# System improvements and procedure amendments to improve transparency and reducing
possibility of corruption/leakage of revenue.
# Investigation of complaints alleging corruption/leakage of revenue.
# Stringent exemplary action against those found guilty of corruption.
# Educating and training of senior officers in the matter of tenders and contracts,
# Empowerment of Railway Protection Force for taking action against the touts and
unauthorized travel agents who try to corner accommodation in trains. This being a legal matter
may take some time and till then, a greater liaison with the Civil Police administration.
# Implement rotational transfers of officials posted on sensitive seats to prevent
the staff from developing unholy nexus.
# Delegate more powers to field organizations to enable speedy decisions as delay
breeds corruption.
# Man the Railway Recruitment Boards by officials of proven integrity.
# Seeking assistance of the public not to succumb to their desire of achieving
favours by greasing palms of corrupt staff and instead bringing such matters to the notice
of Vigilance Organization.