Central Vigilance Commission

• Central Vigilance Commission is the main agency for preventing corruption in Central government.
• It was established in 1964 by an executive resolution of Central government but given Statutory Status in 2004
• Recommended by Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–64).

Composition of Central Vigilance Commission

• Central Vigilance Commission is a multi-member body consisting of
  • Central Vigilance Commissioner (chairperson) and
  • Not more than two vigilance commissioners.

• They are appointed by the President by warrant  on the recommendation of a three-member committee consisting of  Prime Minister , Home Minister & Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

• They hold office for a term of four years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• After their tenure, they are not eligible for further employment under Central or a state government.

• Salary, allowances and other conditions of service of
  • Central Vigilance Commissioner = Chairman of UPSC
  • Vigilance Commissioner = member of UPSC.

But they cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.

• Central Vigilance Commission has its own Secretariat, Chief Technical Examiners (CTE) and a wing of Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries

Jurisdiction

• Members of All India Services  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.
• Managers and above in General Insurance Companies.
• Officers drawing salary of `8700/- p.m. and above on Central Government D.A. pattern

Working

• Central Vigilance Commission conducts its proceedings at its headquarters (New Delhi). It is vested with the power to regulate its own procedure.
• It has all the powers of a civil court and its proceedings have a judicial character.
• All ministries/departments in the Union Government have a Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) who heads the Vigilance Division of the organisation ,  advising the Head of Office in  matters pertaining to vigilance. He is  a link between  organisation and  Central Vigilance Commission on one hand and his organisation and Central Bureau of Investigation on  other.
• The Central Vigilance Commission, on receipt of the report of the inquiry undertaken by any agency on a reference made by it, advises the Central government to further course of action.  Central government consider the advice of the Central Vigilance Commission and take appropriate action. However, where the Central government does not agree with the advice of the Central Vigilance Commission, it shall communicate the reasons (to be recorded in writing) to the Central Vigilance Commission.

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