Why is it in the news?
→ President appointed Shri Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner under CVC Act, 2003.
→ Brings focus on mandate and structure of India’s apex vigilance body.
Category: Polity
Important Points
- CVC was established in 1964 on Santhanam Committee recommendations (1962–64).
- Became statutory via ordinance in 1998; formalised under CVC Act, 2003.
- Composition: Central Vigilance Commissioner + up to two Vigilance Commissioners.
- Appointed by the President on recommendation of the committee (PM, Home Minister, LoP Lok Sabha).
- Tenure: 4 years or up to 65 years of age.
- Service conditions aligned with UPSC Chairman/Member; expenses charged to Consolidated Fund of India.
- Removal by President on specified grounds; misbehaviour/incapacity requires Supreme Court inquiry.
- Functions include supervision of CBI corruption cases, PIDPI whistle-blower authority, vigilance advice, PMLA suspicious transaction authority.
- Post Lokpal Act 2013: conducts preliminary inquiries on Lokpal references and recommends appointments to CBI/ED.
- Jurisdiction covers AIS officers (Central deputation), Group A officers, PSBs, RBI, NABARD, PSUs, insurance companies.
- Organisational wings: Secretariat, Chief Technical Examiners’ Wing, Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries.
- Submits an annual report to the President, laid before Parliament.