The Central Vigilance Commission was established by the government in 1964 in response to the suggestions made by the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, which Shri K. Santhanam led. The commission’s primary purpose is to provide advice and direction to central government institutions involved in vigilance. CVC is intended to be the highest level of vigilance institution, independent of any executive authority, and it is responsible for monitoring all vigilance activities that fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Government.
Additionally, it is responsible for advising various authorities within Central Government organisations regarding the planning, execution, review, and reform of their vigilant work. With the passage of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (CVC Act), the Central Vigilance Commission was granted the status of a statutory body. Because it is an autonomous body, the only person it is accountable to is Parliament. It submits its final reports to the President of India.
Members
The Chairperson of the Central Vigilance Commissioner is among the members. There are a maximum of two members who serve as Vigilance Commissioners.
Laws Associated with CVC
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: CVC is responsible for managing corruption investigations by government agencies under this Act. It can refer cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Central Vigilance Officer (CVO) in charge of each department.
- CVC Act of 2003 establishes the CVC’s authority for vigilance administration.
- The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act of 2013 confers authority on the CVC to carry out a first investigation into grievances submitted by the Lokpal against officers and officials belonging to Groups A, B, C, and D.
- The Whistleblower Protection Act of 2014 protects the anonymity of anyone who provides information about illegal activity.
- A person may disclose information about corruption in the public interest to the CVC under the Act.
Powers and Functions
- The CVC receives complaints regarding improper office use or instances of corruption and makes recommendations regarding suitable actions to take.
- One can reach CVC through the following institutions or bodies: Whistleblowers, the central government, and the Lokpal.
- It does not function as an investigative agency. In place of the CVC, either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Chief Vigilance Officers (CVO) at government offices are responsible for conducting the investigation.
- The Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988 gives it the authority to investigate allegations that specific categories of public workers have been alleged to have committed that offence.
Appointment made
The committee that will recommend the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner includes the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs (MHA), and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. The President of India will make the appointment after receiving the committee’s recommendation.
Term of Office
He or she can hold the office for four years.
Process of Removal
- The President has the authority to remove or suspend him or her from office based on his or her misbehaviour; however, this can only occur after the Supreme Court has inquired into the matter and recommended that action be taken against him.
- Additionally, if the Supreme Court’s investigation finds him guilty, he may be removed from his position for proven misbehaviour or incompetence.
- Another option for resigning is to submit a letter to the President.
