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Govt ignores CVC probe and chooses Jain as A-I chief

Our correspondent in New Delhi

R C A Jain, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is being appointed chairman of the government-run Air-India, ignoring a Central Vigilance Commission inquiry against him.

The inquiry follows allegations of misappropriation of Rs 30 million during his tenure as Union coal secretary and chairman of the public sector undertaking Nevelli Lignite Corporation.

A formal announcement on his appointment is expected in a day or two.

The Cabinet Committee on Appointments cleared his name and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed papers for his appointment on Saturday.

He will succeed Ravindra Gupta, who was made ex-officio chairman of the international air carrier in his capacity as civil aviation secretary and who continues to hold the post even after his transfer as secretary, defence production since the chairman's post cannot be kept vacant.

Jain's selection was reportedly prompted because of his proximity to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief K Sudarshan.

Gupta is understood to have written to the Prime Minister's Office, pointing out that Jain was under inquiry for alleged misappropriation.

For quite some time, the government has been combining the post of civil aviation secretary and Air-India chairman, but this was found to create difficulties whenever the incumbent had to be transferred.

Gupta continued after his exit from the civil aviation ministry, as a new chairman could not be appointed. P V Jayakrishnan also continued as Air-India chairman for some time after his transfer as secretary, information technology.

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