Central Vigilance Commission

• 05 Aug 2022

Why in News?

Recently, the Government appointed Suresh N Patel as the new chief of the Central Vigilance Commission.

What is the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)?

• About:
  • The Central Vigilance Commission was set up by the Government in 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam, to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance.
  • CVC are conceived to be the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilant work.
  • The Parliament enacted Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (CVC Act) conferring statutory status on the CVC.
  • It is an independent body which is only responsible to Parliament.
  • It submits its report to the President of India.
• Members:
  • Central Vigilance Commissioner - Chairperson.
  • Not more than two Vigilance Commissioners - Members.
• Functions:
  • The CVC receives complaints on corruption or misuse of office and recommends appropriate action.
  • Following institutions, bodies, or a person can approach CVC:
    • Central government, Lokpal, Whistle blowers
  • It is not an investigating agency. The CVC either gets the investigation done through the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) or through chief vigilance officers (CVO) in government offices.
  • It is empowered to inquire into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by certain categories of public servants.

What are the Service Conditions of the Chief vigilance Commissioner?

• Appointment:
  • The Central Vigilance Commissioner is to be appointed by the President of India after the recommendation of a three-member committee which consist,
    • Prime Minister
    • Minister of Home Affairs (MHA)
    • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
• Term:
  • S/He holds the office for 4 years.
• Removal:
  • S/He can be removed or suspended from the office by the President on the ground of misbehavior but only after the Supreme Court has held an inquiry into his case and recommended action against him.
  • Further, He can also be removed for proved misbehavior or incapacity if the Supreme Court inquiry finds him guilty.
  • S/He can also resign by writing to the President.

Source: TH