(a) whether it is a fact that senior officials of Madras Port Trust chargesheeted by CBI continue to function as head of departments;
(b) if so, the reasons for allowing them to continue; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken with regard to corrupt officials in the larger interest of the port trust?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The main accused in the case was Shri M.Kalaivanan, the then Dy.Chairman, Chennai Port Trust. He was suspended vide Order dated 23/9/1996. However, his suspension was revoked vide order dated 7/5/1999 on the orders of the Hon`ble High Court of Judicature at Chennai dated 17/3/1999 and 12/4/1999 directing to reinstate him within one week from 12/4/1999. There was a proposal to suspend all the three other co-accused who are Heads of Departments in the Chennai Port Trust in the same case. However, it was not found justifiable to suspend them when the main accused in the case was reinstated in service in pursuance of the orders of the Hon`ble High Court of Judicature. The action not to suspend them was taken in consultation with the CBI. Further action against the officers will be taken as per the orders being passed by the Hon`ble Court in the case under trial.
(c) The Chennai Port Trust has got a full-fledged Vigilance Cell headed by the Chairman who is also the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Port Trust. The Vigilance Cell in the Port Trust refers the cases of such officers, whose integrity has been in doubt and where it is not possible for it to undertake investigation, to the CBI for keeping those officers under observation and where necessary register cases against them and recommend either prosecution or departmental action.