Central Vigilance Commission

The Central Vigilance Commission was formed in February 1964. The Central Vigilance Commission was formed on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee. In 2003, the Central Vigilance Commission Act came into force after the Central Vigilance Commission Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Accordingly, it was given statutory status. Under the Whistleblowers Act, a complaint can be filed with the Central or State Vigilance Commission alleging corruption by officials. The Central Vigilance Commission consists of a Chairperson (Central Vigilance Commissioner) and two members (Vigilance Commissioners). The term of office of a member is four years or 65 years of age, whichever comes first. The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Commissioners are appointed by the President, who is selected by a three-member committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Home Minister. The headquarters is in New Delhi. In the state of Kerala, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau handles corruption-related cases.

UPSC/PSC Questions

1. Central Vigilance Commission came into existence - February 1964

2. Headquarters of Central Vigilance Commission - New Delhi

3. Three-member committee to select Central Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioners - Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Home Minister

4. Appointment of Central Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioners - President

5. Oath of Central Vigilance Commissioner and not more than two Commissioners - Before President

6. Resignation of Central Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioners - To President

7. Removal of Central Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioners on the orders of Supreme Court - President

8. Tenure of Central Vigilance Commission Heads - Four years or 65 years of age

9. First Central Vigilance Commissioner - N. Srinivasa Rao