Central Vigilance Commissioner

In News

• Recently, Suresh N. Patel was sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner.

About Central Vigilance Commissioner

• Santhanam Committee: 
  • It was set up by the Government of India (Ministry of Home Affairs) vide Resolution in 1964 on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee.
• Prevention of corruption:
  • It is an apex body for the prevention of corruption and exercising general superintendence over vigilance administration.
• Composition:
  • The Commission was given statutory status by an enactment of the CVC Act, 2003 and vested with autonomy and insulation from external influences.
  • After the enactment of the CVC Act, 2003, the Commission became a multi-member body consisting of a Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (Members).

• Appointment of Members:
  • The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by The President of India on the basis of the recommendation of a committee consisting of:
    • Prime Minister as Chairmen of the Committee.
    • The Minister of Home Affairs as a member of the committee.
    • Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People as member of the committee

• Term of Office:
  •  The Central Vigilance Commissioner shall hold office for a term of four years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.
  • The Central Vigilance Commissioner on ceasing to hold the office shall be ineligible for reappointment in the commission.
• Removal of Members:
  • The Central Vigilance Commissioner or any vigilance commissioner may by writing under his hand addressed to the President resign his office.
  • Only the President has the power to remove the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any vigilance commissioner from the office under the following circumstances:
    • If proved an insolvent.
    • If he has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government, involves moral turpitude.
    • If holds any Office of Profit.
    • If he is the opinion of the President unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.

Source: TH