Railways to dismiss corrupt officials

The Railways has initiated action to dismiss officials with tainted records. These include those convicted by courts, but still continuing with their jobs.

The department has identified around 25-30 officers, and is likely to sack them. Proceedings against errant railway officials were started after the department of personnel and training (DoPT) issued an order on periodic review of performance of bureaucrats.

The Railways has invoked a Supreme Court directive quoted in the DoPT order to rein in bureaucrats whose "integrity and reputation" are suspect.

Quoting the SC's directive, the DoPT had said in its order, "The officer would live by reputation built around him. In an appropriate case, there may not be sufficient evidence to take punitive disciplinary action of removal from service. But his conduct and reputation is such that his continuance would be a menace to public service service and injurious to public interest."

The DoPT further said, "For better administration, it is necessary to chop off dead wood."

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