Central Vigilance Commission

In legal language, the term “CVC” refers to the Central Vigilance Commission. It was an apex government body that was created in 1964 to deal with governmental corruption. 

CVC / Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission, or CVC, is an active, autonomous and independent body. After its formation in 1964, it was modified in 2003 when the parliament of India enacted statutory status on it. No other executive authority has control over this body, and it works in planning, execution, reviewing and reforming the vigilance network. It reports straight either to the government of India or the Parliament of India. The chairperson of this apex body is appointed by the central government. This body consists of several other independent members who operate CVC.

CVC mainly works to address several instances of governmental corruption in the system. This body was modified in 1998 when it was given the authority to act as a special police body if necessary. CVC also addresses several systematic fallacies that lead to corruption. It also gives recommendations on improving the vigilance network and other preventive measures. Annually, this body publishes a report in which it addresses all such issues and also mentions the cases in which the body’s decision was not taken into heed. But the investigation against corrupt government officials can only be initiated after the government’s permission. 

In essence, in 1998, the government presented the CVC bill in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament), but it was not passed at that time. The bill was again re-introduced in the year 1999, and it was stuck in parliament until 2003, when it was finally enacted. This body has also published a list of corrupt government officials against whom it has recommended private action. Also in 2004, the CVC was authorised to receive formal complaints and recommend proper and effective action. This report is directly delivered to the President. The CVC is controlled by one vigilance commissioner and two assistant commissioners, who are appointed by the President. The commission has its own secretariat, which consists of a secretary and an additional secretary to the union government, one joint secretary, 10 deputy or executive officials, several office staff, etc. The vigilance commissioner can only be removed by order of the President on the grounds of disobedience or incapacity. It also assists the Chief Vigilance Commissioner in these technical aspects during the investigation. 

Conclusion

The CVC, or central vigilance committee, was formed to prevent systematic corruption and improve the vigilance network. It is a statutory body and has an autonomous status. The commission also has a chief technician wing that deals with this whole process. This unit is capable of doing technical audits from a vigilance perspective. It can handle specific and complex cases and can also assist the CBI or the central investigation agency in these corruption cases. It helps in evaluating the financial assets of the alleged officials, thus aiding the CBI.