On whose recommendation does the President appoint the Central Vigilance Commissioner?

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Points to Remember:

  • The appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) in India is a crucial aspect of the country’s anti-corruption framework.
  • The process involves a selection committee and the President’s ultimate decision.
  • Understanding the composition and role of the selection committee is key to answering the question.

Introduction:

The Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) is the head of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), an independent body established in 1964 to combat corruption within the Indian government. The CVC plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and accountability of public servants. The appointment of the CVC is a significant process, ensuring the selection of a highly qualified and impartial individual. This process is governed by the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. The question focuses on who recommends the appointment, highlighting the importance of the selection committee’s role.

Body:

The Selection Committee:

The President of India appoints the CVC on the recommendation of a three-member Selection Committee. This committee comprises:

  1. The Prime Minister: As the head of government, the Prime Minister’s involvement ensures executive oversight and political accountability.
  2. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha: This inclusion provides representation from the opposition, promoting a degree of bipartisan consensus and preventing potential bias. If the strength of the opposition is insufficient to qualify for the Leader of the Opposition, the person nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha acts as the second member.
  3. The Central Vigilance Commissioner (if the post is vacant, the next senior Vigilance Commissioner): This ensures institutional continuity and expertise in the selection process.

The Appointment Process:

The Selection Committee deliberates on suitable candidates, considering their experience, integrity, and suitability for the post. They prepare a shortlist and recommend a candidate to the President. The President then formally appoints the CVC based on this recommendation. The process emphasizes transparency and checks and balances to prevent undue influence in the selection of this crucial anti-corruption figure.

Significance of the Selection Committee:

The composition of the Selection Committee is designed to ensure a fair and impartial selection process. The inclusion of the Leader of the Opposition (or nominated member) is crucial in preventing the appointment of a person who might be biased towards the ruling party. The presence of the CVC (or senior Vigilance Commissioner) ensures that the selection is based on professional considerations and experience within the anti-corruption domain.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the President of India appoints the Central Vigilance Commissioner on the recommendation of a three-member Selection Committee. This committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (or nominated member), and the Central Vigilance Commissioner (or the next senior Vigilance Commissioner). This carefully structured process aims to ensure the appointment of a highly qualified and impartial individual to lead the fight against corruption in India. The inclusion of representatives from both the ruling party and the opposition, along with an expert from within the CVC, promotes transparency, accountability, and a balanced approach to combating corruption, ultimately contributing to good governance and upholding constitutional values. A robust and independent CVC is essential for strengthening India’s democratic institutions and promoting a just and equitable society.

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