Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)- UPSC Notes

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex governmental entity in India, with its primary role being to advance integrity, transparency, and accountability within the public administration of the country.

The Commission was established in 1964 by an executive resolution of the central government (Under the Ministry of Home Affairs) on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee on the Prevention of Corruption. Later, it was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel.

In 2003, the Parliament enacted the Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003 to grant statutory status to the Commission.

It has the status of an autonomous body entrusted with monitoring all vigilance activities in union government bodies. It provides guidance to these organisations in the planning, execution, review, and reform of their vigilance-related activities.

Composition of the Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission consists of:

1. A Central Vigilance Commissioner as Chairman
2. Not more than 2 Vigilance Commissioners as members

Qualification of Chief Vigilance Commissioner and other Vigilance Commissioner’s

The Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and other Vigilance Commissioner’s (VCs) are appointed amongst the persons who are:

1. Retired or serving officer of All India Service or any civil service of the Union having knowledge and experience in matters related to vigilance, policy-making and administration, including police administration or
2. Persons who have served or are serving in a corporation established under any central act or a government company owned or controlled by the central government, who possess expertise and background in finance, including insurance and banking, law, vigilance, and investigations.