Question : CORRUPTION IN I.T.D.C.

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned “ITDC CMD, Board Members heading for showdown” appearing in the Indian Express dated August 2, 2000;

(b) the factual position of the points reported therein;

(c) whether it is true that a few senior level executives of ITDC who have crossd 58 years of age or about to cross are responsible for the poor performance, mis-management and corruption in ITDC have the support of certain like-minded corrupt activists of the so-called Joint Forum of ITDC Officers Association, are bent upon to defame the present CMD of ITDC and get torpedoed the decision of rolling back the age of retirement from 60 to 58 years;

(d) if so, the factual position thereon; and

(e) the action proposed to be taken against such corrupt officials?

MINISTER OF TOURISM & CULTURE ( SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)

(a) and (b): Yes Sir. The main points raised in the news item pertain to opposition by Board Members on the retirement age issue and manipulation in the minutes of the Board Meeting. The fact is that there was no irregularity/ manipulation in recording of the minutes and the Board considered the comments of some of the Board Members in their meeting held on 31st July 2000 and desired detailed information on the subject. On submission of the requisite information, the Board confirmed the minutes of the Board Meeting held on 19th June 2000 in regard to roll back of retirement age in their meeting held on 16th October 2000.

(c) and (d): The retirement age in ITDC has been rolled back from 60 to 58 years and it has been implemented w.e.f. 30,Nov. 2000.

(e): Necessary action against the officials found involved in corrupt activities is taken as per rules of the Corporation.