Question

Which of the following are true about the Central Vigilance Commission?
1. It was set up in 1964.
2. It is a statutory body.
3. Its functions are advisory in the same sense as those of UPSC.
4. Its mode of receiving complaints is similar to that of Parliamentary Commissioner for administration in the UK.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
A) 1,2,3 and 4
B) 1,3 and 4
C) 1,2 and 3
D) 1 and 3

Answer 1

Hint: Central Vigilance Commission is the apex institution for vigilance which is independent of control from any executive authority. It was created to address governmental corruption, monitoring all vigilance activities under the Central Government and advising various authorities to plan, execute, review and reform their vigilance work.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze the given options:
Statement 1) On the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, The CVC headed by Nittoor Srinivasa Rau was set up by the Government of India in February, 1964. Hence this statement is true.

Statement 2) Statutory body refers to a non-constitutional organization set up by the parliament with the authority to check that the activities of an organization are legal and follow official rules. Statutory bodies are entitled to pass laws and enforce legislations on the behalf of the state or country. The CVC Act of 2003 enacted by the Parliament conferred statutory status to the commission. Hence, this statement is correct.

Statement 3) The advice of UPSC is not binding on the government. Consultation of UPSC is used on discretion and is not mandatory thus can’t be challenged in courts. Similarly, CVC is only an advisory body. Departments in the Central Government are free to either accept or reject CVC's suggestions in corruption cases. Hence, this statement is correct.

Statement 4) Central government, Lokpal, Whistleblowers can approach the CVC. A whistleblower who could be an employee of a company, a government agency, an outsider like the media, higher government officials, or police. The complainant must make the complaint to the Parliamentary Commissioner for administration in the UK, himself. Certain local and public authorities cannot make a complaint to the Commissioner for administration. Hence, this statement is incorrect.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note: CVC is often considered a powerless agency because its functions are limited to that of an advisory body only. It can neither register criminal cases against government officials nor instruct CBI to initiate inquiries against any Joint Secretary level and above officer.