Composition and Functions of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Its Limitations

1. Composition of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):

• Structure: The CVC is a statutory body established under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. It consists of a Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and two Vigilance Commissioners, appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Leader of Opposition.
• Example: Suresh N. Patel currently serves as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner, with G. S. Mathur and M. K. Sharma as Vigilance Commissioners.

2. Functions of the CVC:

• Anti-Corruption Oversight: The CVC oversees the implementation of anti-corruption measures within central government agencies and public sector enterprises.
• Example: The CVC has been actively involved in overseeing investigations into corruption cases like the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam.
• Advisory Role: It advises the government on vigilance matters and ensures adherence to ethical standards in public administration.
• Example: The CVC provides guidelines on the conduct of officials and the handling of complaints, including issuing advisories on whistleblower protection.

3. Limitations of the CVC:

• Limited Jurisdiction: The CVC’s jurisdiction is limited to central government departments and public sector enterprises, leaving out state governments and private sector entities.
• Example: The CVC’s inability to directly intervene in corruption cases involving state officials, like those arising in Kerala’s gold smuggling case, restricts its effectiveness.
• Dependency on Other Agencies: The CVC relies on other agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation and prosecution, which can lead to delays and conflicts of interest.
• Example: In cases where the CBI is involved, such as the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, coordination issues can arise, affecting timely resolution.

Conclusion: The Central Vigilance Commission plays a crucial role in combating corruption and promoting transparency in central government operations. However, its limitations include jurisdictional constraints and dependency on other agencies, which can impact its effectiveness in addressing corruption comprehensively.