The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has recently introduced new initiatives to promote good governance and vigilance, in line with the closing of Vigilance Awareness Week 2020. These implementations aim to encourage responsible public service, tackle corruption, and foster an environment of integrity and transparency.
New Initiatives by the DARPG
The key measures and introductions by the DARPG include “Ideas Box on Good Governance Practices in a Pandemic”, a platform launched on both the DARPG and MyGov websites to crowdsource governance ideas. In a move encouraging e-governance, social media tweets highlighting “Best Practices in E-governance” have been launched.
A round table discussion on “Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat” (Vigilant India, Prosperous India) has also been held, touching upon significant aspects of preventive vigilance. Discussions revolved around imparting ethics training in public services, conducting a social audit of ethical practices, developing measurable metrics for corruption, and addressing the impact of corruption on governance.
Annual Vigilance Awareness Week
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) annually observes Vigilance Awareness Week during the week of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday (31st October). The event aims to reinforce India’s commitment to promoting integrity and probity in public life through citizen participation and highlights the government’s determined fight against corruption. The theme for 2020 was “Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat”.
Governing Initiatives Against Corruption
Several government initiatives are in place to prevent and curb corruption. Amendments have been made in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 to ensure more equitable processes and lessen opportunities for corruption. Other initiatives include introduction of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas, expedited case disposal by the Central Information Commission (CIC) and the DARPG, equal opportunities for employment to lower-level jobs by the National Recruitment Agency (NRA), introduction of e-governance, and Direct Benefit Scheme.
Associated Legal Frameworks
Several legislations aim to support the fight against corruption including Right to Information Act 2005, Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968, Whistleblower Protection Act 2014, Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002, Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act 2016.
The Role of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
The CVC is an autonomous entity reporting only to the Parliament. It serves as the supreme institution monitoring vigilance activities under the Central Government and advises various Central Government organizations on planning, executing, reviewing, and reforming their vigilance work. The CVC was established in February 1964, following recommendations from the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by K Santhanam. In 2003, it was given statutory status through the Central Vigilance Commission Act.
The CVC comprises a Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and no more than two Vigilance Commissioners (members). These individuals are appointed by the President based on recommendations from a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs (Member), and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People (Member). The tenure of office for the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners is four years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever comes first.