The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) serves as the principal agency responsible for preventing corruption within the Central government. Its key functions and responsibilities include oversight and investigation of corruption, vigilance, and misuse of office within Central government organizations, as well as other functions mandated by its statutory powers. Here are the main points regarding the structure and functioning of the CVC:
1. Establishment and Status:
- The CVC was initially established in 1964 by an executive resolution of the Central government, based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–64).
- The CVC was later granted statutory status through the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
2. Composition:
- The CVC is a multi-member body consisting of a Central Vigilance Commissioner (the chairperson) and up to two Vigilance Commissioners.
- The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the president based on the recommendations of a committee composed of the prime minister, the Union Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
3. Tenure and Qualifications:
- The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners hold office for a term of four years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever comes first.
- After their tenure, they are not eligible for further employment under the Central or a state government.
4. Functions:
- The CVC's primary role is to prevent corruption within Central government agencies and organizations.
- It receives and acts on complaints of corruption and misuse of office, including those made by whistleblowers under the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers’ Resolution (PIDPI), also known as the "Whistle Blowers" Resolution.
- The CVC has the authority to investigate complaints and allegations of corruption or misuse of office.
- It supervises the vigilance work of other organizations and agencies within the Central government, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
5. Removal:
- The president can remove the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner from office under certain circumstances, such as insolvency, conviction for an offense involving moral turpitude, engaging in paid employment outside the duties of office, infirmity of mind or body, or acquiring financial or other interests likely to prejudice their official functions.
- The president can also remove the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner for proved misbehavior or incapacity. However, the president must refer the matter to the Supreme Court for inquiry. If the Supreme Court upholds the cause of removal and advises accordingly, the president can remove the individual in question.
