by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
Search for CVC begins,
Modi govt. Invites applications
Harish Gupta
New Delhi, April 8
The country may be in the midst of General Elections. But the Modi government has initiated the process of selecting the new Chief Vigilance Commissioner. The current incumbent K V Chowdhary is set to retire in June after completing four years in office. The number two in command T M Bhasin is also set to retire in June itself. The third Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar has two years to go. But the government has decided to seek applications for the post of the CVC.
The Department of Personnel under the Ministry of Personnel under the PM Narendra Modi has decided to seek applications for the key post. The CVC is country's watch dog and has power to superintendence over the CBI. It also monitors Enforcement Directorate, another body which probes economic offenses.
The CVC shot into prominence recently when it dealt with the controversial case of CBI director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana which hogged countrywide attention. It was first time in the history of the CBI that its director was removed unceremoniously on the recommendations of the CVC probe. It was in this contest that the importance of the CVC gained considerably.
The CVC shall hold office for a period of four years from the date he or she takes over or until attains the age of 65 years whichever is earlier. The Central Vigilance Commission consists of a CVC and two Vigilance Commissioner.
According to the notification issued by the ministry, the interested persons will have to write 300 word essay to indicate their suitability. The applicant should be of outstanding merit and impeccable integrity and should have knowledge and experience of at least 25 years in the relevant field. A CVC or VC is a person who hails from the all India services like the IAS, IPS, IfoS or in any civil service of the Unioin or in a post having knowledge and experience in matters relating to vigilance, policy making and administration including police and related services. Even a person holding an office in a corporation established under any Central act and person having experience in banking, insurance , finance etc.
Obviously, a decision with regard to these appointments will be taken by the next government which will come to power after May 23.
The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President on recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), Union Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People.
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