Central Vigilance Commission Fighting Corruption in India’s Governance

Learn about the Central Vigilance Commission, its functions, challenges, and reforms aimed at combating corruption in India's governance system.

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Introduction to Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is India’s apex anti-corruption body, established in 1964 to combat corruption in central government institutions. It gained statutory status through the Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2003, making it an autonomous authority free from executive control. The Central Vigilance Commission monitors vigilance activities, advises government organizations, and promotes transparency and integrity in administration.

Role and Functions of the Central Vigilance Commission


Advisory and Supervisory Role

The Central Vigilance Commission acts as an advisor to central government departments on vigilance-related matters. It supervises vigilance activities and ensures regular monitoring and timely resolution of corruption cases.

Enquiry and Review

Upon reference from the central government, the Central Vigilance Commission conducts inquiries into alleged corruption cases. It reviews the investigation progress made by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DPSE) under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Publishing Reports and Corruption Data

The Central Vigilance Commission publishes lists of officials against whom it recommends punitive actions. It brings transparency by reporting on system failures, ignored recommendations, and preventive strategies in its Annual Report.

Investigation Oversight

The Commission ensures that investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act are progressing efficiently and that necessary follow-ups are made for logical closure.

Initiatives Taken by the Central Vigilance Commission


The Central Vigilance Commission has introduced several reforms and initiatives to enhance vigilance operations:

  • Reviewed thousands of pending disciplinary cases to fast-track their disposal.

  • Amended its complaint mechanism to mandate the use of mobile numbers for tracking.

  • Developed an online platform where Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) can update complainants on the status of their cases.

  • Collaborated with various authorities to reduce outstanding disciplinary cases from around 5,000 in 2019 to approximately 1,700.

Challenges Faced by the Central Vigilance Commission

Limited Powers and Authority

Despite its pivotal role, the Central Vigilance Commission only functions as an advisory body. It lacks powers to register criminal cases independently, relying instead on the CBI and other enforcement agencies.

Resource Constraints

The Central Vigilance Commission struggles with a shortage of staff and resources, limiting its capacity to address the high volume of complaints effectively.

Political Influence and Appointment Concerns

Although autonomous on paper, appointments to the Central Vigilance Commission remain indirectly under government control, raising concerns about impartiality and credibility.

Delayed Decision-Making

There are often delays in investigating complaints and submitting reports, which weakens public trust in the Commission’s efficiency.

Performance of the Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission has shown improvements in reducing the backlog of disciplinary matters and streamlining the complaint-handling process. The move to digitize the complaint system and ensure transparency in updates is a step forward in citizen-centric governance.

Way Forward for Strengthening the Central Vigilance Commission

Expedite Case Finalization

The Central Vigilance Commission must implement measures to fast-track the processing and finalization of reports.

Reform Suggestions by Vineet Narain (2013 Petition)

  • Amend the CVC Act to create a multi-member Central Vigilance Commission of 5–7 members, including a retired Supreme Court judge.

  • Form an advisory committee comprising experts in criminology and forensic science.

  • Build a technically skilled team to evaluate complaints before referring them to the CBI for investigation.

Conclusion

India’s fast-paced economic growth brings new challenges in governance, making the role of the Central Vigilance Commission more vital than ever. A robust, transparent, and fully empowered Central Vigilance Commission is essential to combat corruption, ensure accountability, and maintain public trust in the system.



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