Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Establishment

To understand CVC, remember one simple line:

👉 CVC is the apex anti-corruption vigilance body of the Central Government.

But this strong institution started very humbly.

1964 – Established by Executive Resolution

• After multiple corruption scandals in early decades, the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–64) recommended creating an independent vigilance body.
• The Government issued an executive resolution in 1964.
• Hence, CVC originally:
  • ❌ was not a constitutional body
  • ❌ was not even a statutory body
  • ✔️ was simply created by executive order

2003 – Became a Statutory Body

• The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 gave it statutory status.
• This increased its authority, independence, and operational clarity.

Whistle Blower Responsibilities

Under the PIDPI Resolution, 2004 (Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers’ Resolution):

• CVC became the designated agency to receive corruption complaints from whistle-blowers.
• It also has the authority to take action against false, motivated, or vexatious complaints.

So, CVC acts both as:

• Protector of genuine whistle-blowers, and
• Filter against frivolous misuse.

Purpose of CVC

The core idea behind CVC is:

👉 An independent, neutral body that supervises vigilance activities across Central Government and provides expert advice and monitoring.

It does not have direct prosecution powers—but its supervision and advice carry enormous weight.

Composition — Who Runs the CVC?

CVC is a multi-member body:

1. Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson)
2. Up to two Vigilance Commissioners

Appointment

They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a three-member committee:

• Prime Minister (Chair)
• Union Home Minister
• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

This brings political neutrality and balance into the selection process.

Tenure

• 4 years or
• Up to the age of 65,
  whichever is earlier.

Post-Tenure Restrictions

• They cannot take up any further employment under Central or State Governments.
  This ensures independence even after retirement.

Removal — When Can They Be Removed?

Like other high-level authorities, removal is difficult to ensure independence.

Removal by President in Certain Situations

Immediate removal if:

1. Insolvency
2. Conviction involving moral turpitude
3. Paid employment during tenure
4. Physical or mental incapacity
5. Conflict of interest affecting functioning

Removal for Misbehaviour or Incapacity

• President must refer the case to the Supreme Court.
• Only if the Supreme Court recommends removal, the President can act.

Misbehaviour includes:

• Being part of government contracts for personal gain
• Profiting from agreements made by the Central Government

Salary and Service Conditions

• Chairperson = equivalent to UPSC Chairman
• Vigilance Commissioners = equivalent to UPSC Members
• Salary cannot be changed to their disadvantage.

Organisation Structure — How Does CVC Actually Function?

The CVC operates through three major arms:

1. Secretariat

Contains officers like:

• Secretary
• Joint Secretaries
• Deputy Secretaries
• Under Secretaries

2. Chief Technical Examiners’ Wing (CTE Wing)

This is the technical audit wing.

Their work includes:

• Technical audit of government construction projects
• Investigation of construction-related corruption complaints
• Assisting CBI in technical matters
• Advising CVC and Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs)

This wing is crucial because most corruption happens during procurement and construction.

3. Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDIs)

They act as:

• Inquiry Officers in departmental proceedings
• They conduct oral inquiries against public servants

Functions of CVC — What Does It Do?

This is the heart of the chapter. Think of CVC as having three broad roles:

A. Supervisory Role (especially over CBI / DSPE)

• Superintendence over investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• Reviewing progress of CBI investigations
• Monitoring delays in sanction for prosecution

B. Advisory Role

• Advising Central Government and its authorities on vigilance matters
• Recommending corrective measures
• Helping ministries reform their vigilance systems

C. Investigative/Inquiry Role

It can inquire or cause inquiry against:

1. All India Services (AIS) members serving the Union
2. Group A officers of Central Government
3. Officers of specified ranks in:
   • PSUs
   • Banks
   • RBI
   • NABARD
   • SIDBI
   • LIC & General Insurance Companies
   • Societies and Local Authorities under Central Government

D. Whistle-Blower Protection

• Handles complaints under PIDPI Resolution
• Ensures identity protection
• Recommends punitive action against guilty officers

Jurisdiction — Who Falls Under CVC’s Radar?

Eight key categories

1. All India Services (serving Union) + Group A officers
2. Public Sector Banks: officers of Scale V and above
3. RBI, NABARD, SIDBI: Grade D and above
4. Schedule A & B PSUs: Officers at E-8 level and above
5. Schedule C & D PSUs: Officers at E-7 level and above
6. General Insurance: Managers and above
7. Life Insurance Corporation: Senior Divisional Managers and above
8. Officers drawing ₹8700+ grade pay in societies & local authorities under Central Government

This HUGE jurisdiction is what makes CVC the “apex vigilance body.”

Working Procedure

CVC’s work has a quasi-judicial character.

Powers Similar to a Civil Court

• Summoning individuals
• Taking evidence
• Calling for documents

It regulates its own procedure.

When CVC Gives Advice

• The concerned ministry must consider the advice.
• If it disagrees, it must record reasons in writing and communicate them.

This ensures accountability even when advice is not followed.

Reporting

• Submits an annual report to the President.
• President lays it before both Houses of Parliament.

Thus, Parliament exercises oversight over vigilance administration.

Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 — Key Features

This Act complements PIDPI Resolution.

Purpose

To protect people who expose corruption.

Key Features

1. Protects identity of whistle-blowers.
2. Encourages reporting corruption by public servants and ministers.
3. CVC designated as competent authority for disclosures.
4. Punishment (up to 2 years’ imprisonment + fine up to ₹30,000) for false complaints.
5. Disclosure must be in good faith with supporting documents.
6. Anonymous complaints are not entertained.
7. Identity must be correct; otherwise no action.
8. Act not applicable to Special Protection Group (SPG).

This Act aims to create a safe environment for honest reporting.

In Summary

If you want one crisp sentence to remember:

👉 The Central Vigilance Commission is the apex statutory body supervising vigilance, monitoring CBI investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, protecting whistle-blowers, and advising the Central Government on anti-corruption strategies.

It stands at the centre of India’s integrity framework.