UPSC Express

About: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

• The Central Vigilance Commission was setup by a Government Resolution in 1964, to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance.
  
• The Commission was given the status of independent statutory authority through the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
  
• As the apex integrity institution, the Commission is mandated to fight corruption and to ensure integrity in public administration.
  
• It has the status of an autonomous body, free of control from any executive authority, charged with monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government.
  

Mission:

• To promote integrity in the governance processes by:
  • Creation of a credible deterrence against corruption through enforcement of anti-corruption laws and regulations.
    
  • Undertaking effective preventive measures to minimize the scope of corruption.
    
  • Raising public awareness to inculcate ethical values and reduce society’s tolerance towards corruption.
    
  
  

Members of CVC:

• The CVC is headed by a Central Vigilance Commissioner, who is assisted by two Vigilance Commissioners.
  
• They are appointed by the President, on the recommendation of a three member committee.
  
• The three-member committee consists of the Prime Minister as its head, The Union Minister of Home Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
  
• After their tenure, they are not eligible for further appointment under the Central or State government.
  

Functions of CVC:

• To inquire or cause an investigation to be made on a reference by the Central Government. The CVC has the powers of a Civil court while conducting any inquiry.
  
• Advice the Central Government and its organizations on matters referred to it by them.
  
• Exercise superintendence over the vigilance administrations of the various Central Government Ministries, Departments and Organizations of the Central Government.
  
• Exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (Central Bureau of Investigation) related to:
  • The investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
    
  • An offence under the Code of Criminal Procedure for certain categories of public servants.
    
  
  
• Review the progress of investigations conducted by the DSPE.
  

Jurisdiction of CVC:

• Members of All India Service serving in connection with the affairs of the Union and Group A officers of the Central Government.
  
• Officers of the rank of Scale V and above in the Public Sector Banks.
  
• Officers in Grade D and above in Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and SIDBI.
  
• Chief Executives and Executives on the Board and other officers in Schedule ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Public Sector Undertakings.
  
• Managers and above in General Insurance Companies.
  
• Senior Divisional Managers and above in Life Insurance Corporations.
  

 Polity & Governance