The country’s transparency watchdog Central Information Commission has pointed out serious procedural lapses in the appointment of officials in important public undertakings like the NHAI.
The case related to RTI application, which was filed by one Vishnu Darbari, had sought to know information regarding vigilance clearance for one VK Sharma, 1994-batch IFoS, for his induction in NHAI in 2000 and absorption in NHAI five years later.
Darbari had claimed the disclosure of this information was in public interest and there have been reports regarding induction of officers in NHAI without requisite vigilance clearance, which is a requirement for any induction and absorption in the organisation.
The NHAI had claimed that the vigilance clearance was not provided as there is no such paper available in the records.
When the matter reached the CIC, it ordered an enquiry to be held by an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary to trace out the missing files.
Following the orders, National Highway Authority of India submitted a No Objection (NOC) and approval of the Competent Authority towards permanent absorption of Sharma in NHAI.
When CIC further questioned, NHAI had stated they had taken the vigilance clearance “telephonically” from the Ministry.
The NHAI further produced a copy of vigilance clearance issued by Secretary, UP to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, and stated this letter was also taken by them as a vigilance clearance.