Central Vigilance Commission

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Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the main agency for preventing corruption in the Central Government. It was established in 1964 by an Executive resolution of the Central Government. Its establishment was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. Originally the Central Vigilance Commission was neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body. In September 2003, the Parliament enacted a law conferring statutory status on the CVC. The CVC is a multi-member body consisting of a Central Vigilance Commissioner ( ChairPerson) and not more than two vigilance commissioners. They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal on the recommendation of a three – members committee consisting of the Prime Minister as its head, the Union minister of home affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They hold office for a term of four years or until they attain the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier. After their tenure, they are not eligible for further employment under the Central or a State Government.

Functions Of CVC

The functions of the Central Vigilance Commission are :

  1. To inquire or cause an inquiry or investigation to be conducted on a reference made by the Central Government wherein it is alleged that a public servant being an employee of the Central Government or its authorities, has committed an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  2. To inquire or cause an inquiry or investigation to the conducted into any complaint against any official belonging to the below-mentioned category of officials wherein it is alleged that he has committed an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. a) Members of all-Indian services serving in the Union and Group A officers of the Central Government and b) Specified level of officers of the authorities of the Central government.
  3. To exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police establishment (which is a part of the Central Bureau of Investigation) in so far as it relates to the investigation of offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  4. The Delhi Special Police Establishment is required to obtain the prior approval of the Central Government before conducting any inquiry or investigation into an offence committed by officers of the rank of joint secretary and above in the Central Government and its authorities.
  5. To give directions to the Delhi Special Police Establishment to discharge the responsibility entrusted to it under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
  6. To review the progress of investigations conducted by the Delhi Special Police establishment into offences alleged to have been committed under the prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  7. To review the progress of applications pending with the competent authorities for sanction of prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
  8. To tender advice to the Central Government and its authorities. on such matters as are. referred to it by them.
  9. To exercise superintendence over the vigilance administration in the ministries of the Central Government or its authorities.

The CVC has to present annually to the President a report on its performance. The President places this report before each House of Parliament.

Check out these notes on Parts And Schedules Of The Constitution.

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