The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has recommended regular and timely conduct of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) meetings, the creation of a time-bound mechanism for vigilance clearances, better coordination between departments and the Vigilance Department, periodic review of pending vigilance cases, and the issuance of government-wide instructions to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.

The APSHRC stressed that vigilance clearance is meant to protect administrative integrity and should not become an indefinite barrier to an officer’s career progression.

In a case before it, the APSHRC held that the denial of vigilance clearance to a deputy conservator of forests appeared discriminatory, particularly when other officers linked to the same case received clearances and promotions.

According to the complaint, six deputy conservators of forests retired without induction into the Indian Forest Service because DPC meetings were not convened on schedule. The complaint highlighted that DPCs for induction into the IFS for the select lists of 2020, 2021, and 2022 had not been conducted in a timely manner.

The commission noted that the case has remained pending since June 2024 without disposal, contrary to the timelines envisaged under the Vigilance Clearance Manual and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines.

Vigilance-related issues have often held up the promotion prospects of many employees, and at times the Vigilance Department has been accused of doing so intentionally. There may be explanations and justifications, but the fact remains that vigilance clearances were not issued on time, leading to delays and the loss of opportunities. The observations of the commission must be taken into consideration.