Page 44 – Central Vigilance Commission

Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)

📖 Part VIII: Non-Constitutional Bodies 📄 Page 44 of 60
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Key Idea Summary

Core concepts and exam relevance

Core Concept Summary

CVC is India's apex vigilance institution that supervises anti-corruption efforts in:

  • Central Government departments
  • PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings)
  • Public sector banks

Created to ensure clean, transparent governance.

📌 Why This Topic is Important for UPSC / State Exams
  • Composition and appointment
  • Powers under CVC Act 2003
  • Difference from CBI & Lokpal
  • Role in vigilance administration
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Structure of CVC

Composition and appointments

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Composition

  • Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson)
  • 2 Vigilance Commissioners
  • Total: 3 members
  • Multi-member body
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Selection Committee

  • Prime Minister (Chairperson)
  • Home Minister
  • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
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Tenure

  • 4 years OR
  • 65 years of age
  • Whichever is earlier
  • Not eligible for reappointment
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Removal

  • By President
  • After Supreme Court inquiry
  • On grounds of misbehavior/incapacity
  • Same as UPSC removal
⚠️ Important:

CVC is a STATUTORY body (created by CVC Act 2003), NOT constitutional. Lokpal is also statutory (Lokpal Act 2013).

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Functions of CVC

Three main roles

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A) Supervisory Role

  • Supervises CBI in corruption cases
  • Reviews vigilance functions of ministries
  • Monitors Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs)
  • Oversees anti-corruption mechanisms
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B) Advisory Role

  • Recommends action in corruption cases
  • Issues vigilance manuals & guidelines
  • Advises on preventive vigilance
  • Reviews procedures for integrity
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C) Anti-Corruption Monitoring

  • Enquires into civil servants' misconduct
  • Receives complaints (including whistleblowers)
  • Recommends punishments
  • Monitors prosecution sanction
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CVC vs CBI vs Lokpal

Key differences

Feature CVC CBI Lokpal
Status Statutory (2003) Executive/Statutory Statutory (2013)
Role Supervises & advises Investigates Inquires into complaints
Jurisdiction Central govt servants Central govt + referred cases PM, Ministers, MPs, Group A/B
Investigation Does NOT investigate Investigates Supervises investigation
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Evolution of CVC

Historical milestones

1
1964 – CVC Created

Established by executive resolution on Santhanam Committee recommendation

2
1998 – Vineet Narain Case

SC directed statutory status for CVC; CVC given supervisory role over CBI

3
2003 – CVC Act

CVC became statutory body; composition & powers defined by law

4
2014+ – Works with Lokpal

Coordinates with Lokpal for comprehensive anti-corruption framework

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Simulation Lab

CVC Process Explorer

🧪 CVC Action Simulator

Select a scenario to see how CVC handles it.

CVC Process
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Select a scenario to see CVC's action.

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Exam Booster – Practice Questions

Test your understanding

1 Is CVC constitutional or statutory?

A Constitutional body
B Statutory body (CVC Act 2003)
C Executive body only
D Quasi-judicial tribunal
✓ Correct Answer: B – Statutory body (CVC Act 2003)

CVC is a statutory body under CVC Act 2003. It was earlier an executive body (1964). Constitutional bodies are created by Constitution itself.

2 Who heads the CVC selection committee?

A President
B Prime Minister
C Home Minister
D CJI
✓ Correct Answer: B – Prime Minister

Selection Committee: PM (Chair) + Home Minister + Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. President appoints based on committee recommendation.

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Memory Hooks & Quick Revision

Key takeaways for exam day

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Revision Summary

One-Line Takeaway
"CVC = Anti-corruption watchtower. Supervises CBI, does NOT investigate directly."
3 Exam Points to Remember
  • 1 Statutory (2003): CVC + 2 VCs | Tenure: 4 years / 65 age | Selection: PM + HM + LoP
  • 2 Functions: Supervises CBI + Advises on vigilance + Monitors CVOs + Whistleblower protection
  • 3 Does NOT: Investigate directly | CBI: Investigates | Lokpal: Higher officials