Vigilance Commissioner Shri Praveen Vashista appointed in CVC under CVC Act, 2003. Know appointment details, tenure, and role for competitive exams.
Shri Praveen Vashista Appointed Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission
Introduction to the Appointment
Shri Praveen Vashista, a distinguished 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), one of India’s premier anti-corruption statutory bodies. This significant appointment was made by the President of India through a warrant dated 12th December 2025, under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. Shri Vashista officially assumed office after taking the oath on 16th January 2026, administered by the Central Vigilance Commissioner on behalf of the President.
About Shri Praveen Vashista
Shri Vashista brings to the role over three decades of experience in policing, internal security, crime investigation, and administrative leadership. Before this appointment, he served in pivotal positions including Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs until his voluntary retirement from service in late 2025. His career demonstrates deep expertise in law enforcement operations and national security management — essential for a senior vigilance framework position.
Role of Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC
The Central Vigilance Commission is a statutory watchdog institution established to curb corruption in government departments and public sector undertakings. Under the CVC Act, 2003, the commission comprises one Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and up to two Vigilance Commissioners. All members are appointed by the President of India and have a tenure of four years or until attaining 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
Importance of This Appointment
The appointment of Shri Vashista strengthens the leadership of the CVC at a crucial time when vigilance and anti-corruption mechanisms across India’s administrative machinery are under focus. With his extensive background in internal security and public administration, he is expected to bring rigorous oversight, strategic vision, and enhanced operational coordination in vigilance activities.
Impact on Governance & Public Sector
This decision is pivotal for governance reforms and public sector integrity. A vigilant anti-corruption framework ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among government officials. It also reinforces public trust in institutional mechanisms — especially relevant for aspirants of competitive government exams like UPSC, SSC, banking, railways, defence, and police services who must understand India’s administrative ecosystem deeply.
Why This News is Important for Competitive Exams
Significance for Exam Aspirants
For students preparing for government exams such as UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS), SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence Services, and State PSCs, this news holds high relevance under the Polity and Governance section of the syllabus.
- Administrative Structure & Anti-Corruption Mechanisms: The appointment showcases how senior bureaucratic positions in statutory bodies are filled, providing insights into executive powers and checks & balances in the Indian administrative system.
- Central Vigilance Commission’s Role: Understanding the composition and function of the CVC equips students to answer questions related to vigilance, corruption control, transparency in administration, and statutory bodies formed by Acts of Parliament.
- Legal Provisions: The news highlights real-life application of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, an important subject within Indian Polity.
Relevance Across Syllabi
This topic is included across various government exams:
- UPSC Mains & Prelims: For questions related to Governance, Leadership, Accountability, Anti-Corruption Framework.
- State PSCs: Awareness of statutory bodies and public administration.
- SSC & Banking Exams: General Awareness section frequently tests knowledge of key appointments and constitutional/ statutory frameworks.
- Police & Defence Exams: Related to internal security and administrative vigilance structures.
Thus, understanding such current affairs significantly strengthens an aspirant’s general studies preparation.
Historical Context: Background of the Central Vigilance Commission
Establishment of the CVC
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was initially set up on 11 February 1964 following recommendations from the Santhanam Committee, formed to combat corruption in government affairs. Originally an advisory body, it gained statutory status with the enactment of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 — thereby becoming an autonomous institution free from executive control to effectively monitor vigilance activities across central government ministries and departments.
Composition & Function
Post-2003, the statutory CVC comprises:
- A Central Vigilance Commissioner (head), and
- Two Vigilance Commissioners, all appointed by the President of India on the recommendations of a high-level committee including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
Their mandate includes supervising vigilance administration, advising government organizations on corruption prevention, and overseeing the execution of vigilance policies.
Tenure & Legal Framework
Members of the CVC serve for four years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier, under provisions detailed in the CVC Act, 2003. This legal framework ensures a fixed tenure and independence in performing duties aligned with the Indian Constitution’s principles of transparency and accountability in governance.
Understanding the historical evolution of the CVC helps students grasp how institutional checks against corruption were strengthened in modern India.
Key Takeaways from Shri Praveen Vashista Appointed Vigilance Commissioner
| Sr. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shri Praveen Vashista was appointed Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC by the President of India. |
| 2 | The appointment was made under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. |
| 3 | He took oath on 16 January 2026 before the Central Vigilance Commissioner. |
| 4 | Vashista is a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre with over 30 years of service. |
| 5 | The CVC consists of one Central Vigilance Commissioner and up to two Vigilance Commissioners. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Shri Praveen Vashista?
Shri Praveen Vashista is a 1991‑batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre who has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
2. When did Shri Praveen Vashista assume office as Vigilance Commissioner?
He took oath and assumed office on 16th January 2026.
3. Under which legal provision was Shri Vashista appointed as Vigilance Commissioner?
He was appointed under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
4. What is the role of a Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC?
A Vigilance Commissioner supervises vigilance administration, ensures anti-corruption measures, advises government organizations, and coordinates vigilance policies under the guidance of the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
5. How many members are there in the CVC?
The CVC consists of one Central Vigilance Commissioner and up to two Vigilance Commissioners.
6. Who appoints the Vigilance Commissioner?
The President of India appoints the Vigilance Commissioner based on the recommendation of a high-level committee including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
7. What is the tenure of a Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC?
The tenure is four years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
8. Why is this appointment important for competitive exam aspirants?
It highlights administrative structure, anti-corruption mechanisms, statutory bodies, and governance frameworks, which are frequently asked topics in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSC exams.
9. When was the Central Vigilance Commission established?
The CVC was first set up on 11 February 1964 and later given statutory status under the CVC Act, 2003.
10. What are the key responsibilities of the CVC?
The CVC supervises vigilance administration, monitors corruption, advises ministries and public sector organizations, and ensures transparency and accountability in government functioning.
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