CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION (CVC) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has released a report detailing corruption complaints against various government officials for 2023. 

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

• About: It is an apex Integrity Institution, possessing full independence and autonomy in its operations.
• Establishment: As a result of the Government of India's Resolution, based on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, led by Shri K. Santhanam in 1964.
• Statutory Status: The CVC gained its statutory status through the CVC Act of 2003.
• Composition: Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (Members).
• Organization: The CVC has its own Secretariat, the Chief Technical Examiners' Wing (CTE), and a wing of Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDI). 
• Appointment: By the President on the recommendations of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
• Term: The chairperson and the members are four years from the date on which they enter their office or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Removal: The President can remove the chairperson or any other member from the office.

Major Highlights

• Total Complaints Received: In 2023, 74,203 graft complaints were lodged against various officers and employees. Out of these, 66,373 were resolved, while 7,830 remain pending.
• Complaints Against Railway Employees: The highest number of complaints, 10,447, were against railway employees. Of these, 9,881 were resolved, and 566 are still pending.
• Ministry-Specific Complaints: Complaints were also high in various ministries: Coal (4,420), Labour (3,217), Petroleum (2,749), and Home (2,309).
• Other Notable Complaints: Additional significant complaint figures include the Defence Ministry (1,861), Central Board of Direct Taxes (1,828), and Public Sector Insurance Companies (960).