Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex anti-corruption body in India, established by the Government of India in 1964. The Commission is responsible for overseeing vigilance and anti-corruption activities in Central Government departments and public sector organizations.

The CVC plays a crucial role in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life and combating corruption in the country.

Composition and Appointment

The Central Vigilance Commission consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners. The President of India appoints the Commissioners on the recommendation of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The term of office for the Commissioners is four years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Functions and Powers

The primary functions and powers of the Central Vigilance Commission include:

1. Exercising superintendence over the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in matters related to corruption
2. Conducting inquiries into allegations of corruption against public officials
3. Reviewing the progress of investigations conducted by the CBI into cases of alleged corruption
4. Advising Central Government departments and public sector organizations on vigilance matters and anti-corruption measures
5. Promoting integrity and transparency in public procurement and contract management
6. Developing and implementing preventive vigilance measures to minimize opportunities for corruption
7. Coordinating with other anti-corruption agencies and international organizations to combat corruption

Initiatives and Impact

The Central Vigilance Commission has undertaken several initiatives to combat corruption and promote integrity in public life. These include:

1. Observing Vigilance Awareness Week annually to raise public awareness about corruption and encourage public participation in the fight against it
2. Establishing the Integrity Index to assess the performance of public organizations in terms of integrity and anti-corruption measures
3. Promoting e-governance and digitalization to enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption
4. Conducting training programs and workshops for public officials on ethics, integrity, and good governance practices
5. Developing guidelines and advisories on various aspects of vigilance administration and anti-corruption measures
6. The work of the Central Vigilance Commission has contributed significantly to the fight against corruption in India. The Commission’s efforts have led to increased awareness about corruption, improved transparency in public procurement and contract management, and strengthened anti-corruption mechanisms in the country.

Importance and Major Issues

The Central Vigilance Commission plays a vital role in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life and combating corruption in India. However, it faces several major issues that can hinder its effectiveness in combating corruption in India:

• Limited jurisdiction, as it can only investigate Central Government departments and public sector organizations
• Dependence on other agencies like the CBI for conducting investigations
• Lack of adequate staff and resources to handle the large volume of complaints and cases
• Concerns about the transparency and political influence in the appointment process of Commissioners
• Inadequate implementation of the CVC’s recommendations by government departments and public sector organizations
• Limited public awareness about the role and functions of the CVC

Addressing these issues is crucial for the CVC to effectively fulfill its mandate and contribute to the fight against corruption in India. Efforts to support and strengthen the CVC are essential in promoting integrity and transparency in public life.