Central Vigilance Commission

Why is in news? Vigilance Awareness Week 2022 function held on 31st October, 2022

Central Vigilance Commission observes Vigilance Awareness Week during the week in which 31st October, the birthday of late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls.

This year, Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed from 31st October to 6th November, 2022.

Theme: “Corruption free India for a developed Nation”

The six focus areas include the following:

a) Property Management

b) Management of Assets

c) Record Management

d) Technological Initiatives

e) Updation of guidelines / circulars / Manuals wherever found necessary

f) Disposal of complaints

Central Vigilance Commission:

The Central Vigilance Commission was set up by the Government in 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam, to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance.

CVC are conceived to be the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilant work.

The Parliament enacted Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (CVC Act) conferring statutory status on the CVC.

It is an independent body which is only responsible to Parliament.

It submits its report to the President of India.

Members: Central Vigilance Commissioner – Chairperson, Not more than two Vigilance Commissioners - Members.

Appointment: The Central Vigilance Commissioner is to be appointed by the President of India after the recommendation of a three-member committee which consist, Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs (MHA), Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Term: S/He holds the office for 4 years.

Removal:

S/He can be removed or suspended from the office by the President on the ground of misbehavior but only after the Supreme Court has held an inquiry into his case and recommended action against him.

Further, He can also be removed for proved misbehavior or incapacity if the Supreme Court inquiry finds him guilty.

S/He can also resign by writing to the President.