The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was set up by the Government of India in February, 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam, to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance. CVC is conceived to be the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organisations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. Consequent upon promulgation of an Ordinance by the President, the Central Vigilance Commission has been made a multi member Commission with Statutory Status, with effect from 25 August, 1998. The CVC Bill was passed by both the houses of Parliament in 2003 and the President gave his assent on 11th September 2003. Thus, the Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003 (No45 Of 2003) came into effect from that date. Nittoor Srinivasa Rau became the first Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India.

The Commission shall consist of-
* A Central Vigilance Commissioner - Chairperson;
* And not more than 2 Vigilance Commissioners - Members.

Vide GOI Resolution on Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informer, dated April 2004, the Government of India has authorised the Central Vigilance Commission as the Designated Agency to receive written complaints for disclosure on any allegation of corruption or misuse of office and recommend appropriate action. The Central Vigilance Commission has its own Secretariat. The Secretariat consists of a Secretary of the rank of Additional Secretary to the GOI, one officer of the rank of Joint Secretary to the GOI, ten officers of the rank of Director/Deputy Secretary, four Under Secretaries and office staff.

Chief Technical Examiners` Writing Wing (CTE)
The Chief Technical Examiner`s Organisation constitutes the technical wing of the Central Vigilance Commission (India) and is manned by 2 Engineers of the rank of Chief Engineers (designated as Chief Technical Examiners) with supporting engineering staff.

Role and Purpose of CVC
The Central Vigilance Commission is not an investigating agency. The only investigation conducted by the CVC is that of examining Civil Works of the Government which is carried on by the Chief Technical Officer. The CVC conducts its investigations through the CBI or through the Departmental Chief Vigilance Officers.

The main purpose of this organisation are-
* Technical audit of construction works of Governmental organisations from a vigilance perspective;
* Investigation of specific cases of complaints relating to construction works;
* Extension of assistance to CBI in their investigations involving technical matters and for evaluation of properties in Delhi; and
* Tendering of advice and assistance to the Commission and Chief Vigilance Officers in vigilance cases involving technical matters.

Powers and Functions of CVC
To exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) with respect to investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; or offence under CRPC for certain categories of public servants and to give directions to the DSPE for purpose of discharging this responsibility;

a) To review the progress of investigations conducted by the DSPE into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act;

b) To undertake an inquiry or cause an inquiry or investigation to be made into any transaction in which a public servant working in any organisation, to which the executive control of the Government of India extends, is suspected or alleged to have acted for an improper purpose or in a corrupt manner;

c) To tender independent and impartial advice to the disciplinary and other authorities in disciplinary cases, involving vigilance angle at different stages i.e. investigation, inquiry, appeal, review etc.;

d) To exercise a general check and supervision over vigilance and anti-corruption work in Ministries or Departments of the Govt. of India and other organisations to which the executive power of the Union extends; and

e) To chair the Committee for selection of Director (CBI), Director (Enforcement Directorate) and officers of the level of SP and above in DSPE.

f) To undertake or cause an inquiry into complaints received under the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informer and recommend appropriate action.

Commission`s Jurisdiction under CVC Act:
* Members of All India Services serving in connection with the affairs of the Union and Group A officers of the Central Government.
* Board level appointees and other senior officers` up to two grades below the Board level, in the Public Sector Undertakings of the Central Government;
* Officers of the rank of Scale V and above in the Public Sector Banks;
* Officers of the rank of Assistant Manager and above in the Insurance Sector (covered by LIC and GIC and four non- life insurance companies in the Public sector); and
* Officers drawing basic pay of Rs. 8700/- per month and above in autonomous bodies/local authorities or societies owned or controlled by the Central Government.

Chief Vigilance Officers
The Chief Vigilance Officers are extended hands of the CVC. The Chief Vigilance Officers are considerably higher level officers who are appointed in each and every Department/ Organisation to assist the Head of the Department/Organisation in all vigilance matters.

The Chief Vigilance Officers constitute an important link between the organisations concerned and the Central Vigilance Commission, as also the CBI.