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

Context: Recently, the Hon’ble President of India, through a warrant under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, appointed Shri AS Rajeev as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission.

Central Vigilance Commission

• 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.
• Functions

oTo exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) insofar as it relates to the investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

oTo tender advise to the Central government and its authorities on such matters as are referred to it by them.

oTo exercise superintendence over the vigilance administration in the ministries of the Central government or its authorities.