The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex integrity institution set up for prevention of corruption in the Central Government Ministries, Departments, Corporations established by or under any Central Act, Government companies, societies and local authorities owned or controlled by the Central Government and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It was first constituted by the Government of India through a resolution in the year 1964.

In the exercise of its powers and functions, the Central Vigilance Commission is not subordinate to   any the Government organizations to seek the Commission's advice before proceeding in a matter where a report had been called for by the Commission.

The Central Government under the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informer's Resolution (PIDPI) dated 21.4.2004 has authorized the Central Vigilance Commission as the designated agency to receive and act on complaints from whistle blowers and recommend appropriate action. According to this resolution, the Commission has been entrusted with the responsibility of keeping secret the identity of the complainant  in order to provide protection to Whistle Blowers from victimization. It also empowers the Commission to take action against complainants making motivated or vexatious complaints.

In terms of the CVC Act, 2003, the Commission consists of the Central Vigilance Commissioner  (CVC) as Ministry/Department of the Government of India. The Chairperson and two Vigilance Commissioners (VCs) as, Commission has the same measure of independence and autonomy as the Union Public   Service Commission (UPSC).

The Central Vigilance Commission was conferred statutory status by The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. The Act provides for constitution of Central Vigilance Commission to inquire or to cause inquiries to be conducted into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. The Act empowers the Commission to exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police  Establishment (DSPE) now called Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Commission is also empowered to review the progress of investigations conducted by the CBI and the progress of applications pending with the Competent Authorities for sanction of prosecution under the Prevention of C0rruption Act, 1988. The Commission is also assigned the power to exercise superintendence over the vigilance administration of the various Ministries of the Central Government and its organizations.

The Commission has been entrusted with the function of advising the Government on all matters regarding vigilance administration referred to it by departments/ organizations of the Central Government. It is mandatory for Members. The appointment of the CVC as well as that of the VCs is made by the Hon'ble President of India on the recommendations of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People.

All Departments/Organizations falling under the advisory jurisdiction of the Commission have a vigilance unit headed by a Chief Vigilance officer (CVO). The CVOs act as an extended arm of the Commission in the Department/Organization concerned and represent the Commission in respect of all vigilance functions.

Department of Posts is happy to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on  Central Vigilance Commission.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India