Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)  

Statutory Basis

• Established: 1964 via Government Resolution based on Santhanam Committee (1962).
• Statutory Status: Conferred through CVC Act, 2003.
• Type: Statutory Body, not a constitutional body.
• Reporting Authority: Directly to Parliament, not under any ministry.
• Jurisdiction: Vigilance administration over Central Government departments, PSUs, and organisations under Union jurisdiction.
  

Composition

• Multi-member body:

• • • 1 Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC – Chairperson)
    • Up to 2 Vigilance Commissioners (VCs)

• Appointed by: President of India

• • Recommendation by a Committee:
    • Prime Minister (Chairperson)
    • Minister of Home Affairs
    • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
      

Tenure & Conditions

• • Term: 4 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

• Salary:

• • • CVC: Equivalent to UPSC Chairperson.
    • VCs: Equivalent to UPSC Members.

• Removal by President:

• • On grounds: Insolvency, criminal conviction, moral turpitude, infirmity, misbehavior, or incapacity.
  • In case of misbehavior/incapacity: Must be referred to Supreme Court for inquiry.
    

Organisation Structure

• Secretariat
• Chief Technical Examiners’ Wing (CTE): For technical audit of public works.
• Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDI): For conducting departmental proceedings.
  

Powers & Functions under CVC Act, 2003

1. 1. Superintendence:
      • Over CBI’s investigation in corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
      • Over vigilance setups of Central Government Departments.

• Investigation Supervision:

1. 1. • Reviews CBI’s progress in corruption cases and status of sanction for prosecution.
   2. Disciplinary Oversight:
      • Advises disciplinary authorities for Group A, B services & All India Services.
   3. Information Authority:
      • Can demand reports and data from central departments, PSUs, and societies.
   4. Inquiry Powers:
      • Can conduct inquiries based on references from Central Government.
      • Can advise further action post-inquiry.

• Civil Court Powers:

1. 1. • For summoning, requisitioning documents, examination under oath, etc.

• Annual Report:

1. • Submitted to President, laid before Parliament.

Other Related Legislations

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:

1. 1. • CVC supervises investigation under this Act via CBI and departmental vigilance.

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013:

1. 1. • CVC conducts preliminary inquiries on Lokpal’s referral.
      • Recommends officers for Director of Prosecution and CBI appointments.

• Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014:

1. • Receives public interest disclosures; ensures confidentiality and protection of whistleblowers. 

Limitations of CVC

Issue	Description
Advisory Role Only	Cannot enforce; recommendations not binding.
Lack of Resources	Inadequate staff and infrastructure.
Dependency on Govt	Cannot initiate CBI inquiries against senior officers without department approval.
No Criminal Power	Cannot register FIRs or prosecute – limited to vigilance oversight.
Opaque Appointments	Though a committee exists, executive dominance reduces transparency.

Way Forward

• Grant more enforcement power beyond advisory.
• Ensure independent functioning of CBI from political interference.
• Strengthen resource base, technical wings, and manpower.
• Improve transparency in appointments.
• Institutionalize public audit and annual performance review mechanisms.
  

Conclusion

The CVC plays a critical role in India’s anti-corruption framework. To ensure effective governance, the Commission needs stronger statutory backing, greater autonomy, and capacity enhancement. True transparency and accountability will only be achieved when CVC’s advice gains binding force and systemic reforms are implemented.