CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex Indian governmental body created in 1964 to address governmental corruption. It has the status of an autonomous body, free of control from any executive authority. It monitors all vigilance activity under the Central Government of India and advises various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing, and reforming their vigilance work.

It was set up by the Government of India in February 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam, to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance. Nittoor Srinivasa Rau, was selected as the first Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India.

The Annual Report of the CVC gives the details of the work done by it and brings out the system failures that lead to corruption in various Departments / Organizations, system improvements, various preventive measures and cases in which the Commission's advises were ignored etc.

The CVC is not an investigating agency - it gets the investigation done through the CBI or through the Departmental Chief Vigilance Officers

Powers and Functions of CVC

- to exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) with respect to investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; or offence under CRPC for certain categories of public servants and to give directions to the DSPE for purpose of discharging this responsibility.

- To review the progress of investigations conducted by the DSPE into offences alleged to have been committed under the PC Act.

- To undertake an inquiry or cause an inquiry or investigation to be made into any transaction in which a public servant working in any organization, to which the executive control of the Government of India extends, is suspected or alleged to have acted for an improper purpose or in a corrupt manner.

- To tender independent and impartial advice to the disciplinary and other authorities in disciplinary cases, involving vigilance angle at different stages i.e. investigation, inquiry, appeal, review etc.

- To exercise a general check and supervision over vigilance and anti-corruption work in Ministries or Departments of the Govt. of India and other organizations to which the executive power of the Union extends

- To chair the Committee for selection of Director (CBI), Director (Enforcement Directorate) and officers of the level of SP and above in DSPE.

- To undertake or cause an inquiry into complaints received under the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informer and recommend appropriate action.