Delhi, August 1: The Indian Railways has prematurely retired five Group ‘A’ officers in ‘public interest’ on grounds of doubtful integrity, vigilance inputs, disciplinary history and other relevant service records, said an official release on Saturday.

Railways said integrity, discipline and accountability in public service remain non-negotiable.

According to a Ministry of Railways release, Review Committees of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways have recommended premature retirement of five Group 'A' officers in public interest under Rule 1802(a) of the Indian Railway Establishment Code, Volume II, which is equivalent to Rule 56(j) of the Fundamental Rules.

“The Review Committees have recommended premature retirement of two SAG officers of IRHS, one JAG officer of IRSE in Northern Railway, one officer of IRSEE in Northern Railway, and one JAG officer of IRTS in Western Railway,” it said.

The action was taken after the Review Committees carried out a detailed assessment of the officers' service records in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

“The review included examination of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs), integrity records, vigilance inputs, disciplinary history and other relevant service records before arriving at their recommendations. The committees unanimously recommended premature retirement of the officers in public interest in the respective cases,” it added.

The Railways said that it follows a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption, lack of integrity and inefficiency.

“Integrity, discipline and accountability in public service remain non-negotiable. Actions taken under the relevant provisions of the Indian Railway Establishment Code are aimed at upholding these core values,” it stated.