Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is a statutory body which has an autonomous status. It is the apex vigilance institute that serves the function of giving advice to various organizations of the central government. It guides them on ways to plan, execute, review, and reform their vigilance work. Vigilance here is defined as ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of organizations and employees through administrative action. Improper or less vigilance can lead to wastage of resources and economic decline of the country.

The CVC is free of control from any Executive authority and responsible for overseeing all vigilance activity under the Central Government of India. Its job is to recommend appropriate action when it receives complaints regarding misuse of office or corruption. The Annual Report of the CVC provides an overview of the work done in that year and highlights the system failures which are the key cause for corruption.  It also recommends ways for system improvements as well as a variety of preventive measures. The Commission also points out cases wherein its advice was ignored.

The CVC consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of two members. The President appoints all 3 members based on the recommendations given by a committee. This committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition. The Commission members serve in office for a period of 4 years or until they are 65 years old, whichever is earlier.