According to new norms made in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice, a competent authority in concerned department can give authorisation to the Centre to attach properties or wealth of the accused employee acquired through corrupt practises after his retirement.

The guidelines assume significance as most of the departments and investigating agencies like CBI have expressed difficulty in acting against corrupt public servants who have retired pending chargesheet or charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

"Departments have written to us seeking clarification while attaching properties of a corrupt officials. More difficulties were being faced in case of retired government officials. Hence, we decided to get the issue resolved," a senior official of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

He said a set of guidelines have been issued to all the departments under the Government, including the CBI.