Functions

Last updated on: 3 March, 2026

Can broadly be divided into four parts:

  • Preventive Vigilance
  • Punitive Vigilance
  • Participative Vigilance
  • Surveillance and Detection

While ‘punitive action’ for commission of misconduct and other malpractices is certainly important, surveillance and preventive measures to be taken by the CVO are equally more important, as these significantly reduce the occurrence of vigilance cases. Thus, the role of Vigilance Department should be predominantly preventive.

Preventive Vigilance

  • Undertake the study of existing procedures and practices to identify the scope for corruption and required modifications.
  • Identify causes of delay and devise suitable steps to minimise delays.
  • Devise methods to ensure that discretionary powers are not exercised arbitrarily.
  • Educate citizens about the procedures of dealing with various matters and simplify these wherever possible.
  • Identify sensitive posts and ensure periodical rotations of staff, especially officers.
  • Identify areas prone to corruption and ensure that officers of proven integrity are posted there.
  • Ensure that the organisation has prepared manuals on important subjects.
  • Develop and implement an effective Whistle Blower Mechanism.
  • Leverage technology for effective preventive vigilance.
  • Ensure observance of conduct rules relating to integrity, covering:
    • Statement of assets
    • Scrutiny of immovable property returns
    • Keep an eye on benami transactions
  • Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week as per Commission directions.
  • Scrutinise:
    • Internal Audit Report
    • Statutory Audit Report
    • CAG Audit Report
  • Preparation of list of Officers of Doubtful Integrity and Agreed List.
  • Conduct CTE-type inspections.

Punitive Vigilance

It is expected to take the following actions on punitive vigilance aspects:

  • Receive complaints from all sources and scrutinise them to determine if a vigilance angle exists. Refer doubtful cases to the administrative head.
  • Investigate or cause investigation into specific, verifiable allegations involving vigilance angles, including those forwarded by CVC, CBI, or Chairman, PPA.
  • Process investigation reports expeditiously and obtain orders of competent authorities and Commission’s advice wherever necessary.
  • Ensure charge sheets are properly drafted and issued without delay.
  • Ensure timely appointment of inquiry authorities.
  • Examine inquiry officer’s report keeping in view the evidence adduced, and obtain competent authority’s decision and Commission’s/UPSC’s advice where required.
  • Ensure the disciplinary authority issues a speaking order indicating independent application of mind.
  • Ensure disciplinary rules are followed scrupulously, as any violation may render proceedings void.
  • Ensure time limits prescribed for various stages of vigilance cases are strictly adhered to.

Surveillance

  • Review all pending matters (investigation reports, disciplinary cases, complaints) in the first week of every month.
  • Review of vigilance work to be taken in meetings by Secretary of the Ministry/Department.
  • Hold periodical meetings with CBI officers on matters of mutual interest.
  • Ensure monthly reports of work done are sent to the Commission by the 5th of the following month.
  • Send annual reports on vigilance work to the Commission by 30th January of the succeeding year.
  • Ensure QPRs (Quarterly Progress Reports) on procurement are sent to CTE by 15th of the following month.

Participative Vigilance

  • Ensure employees participate in Vigilance Awareness Week as directed by the Commission.
  • Ensure stakeholders, students and public participate in Vigilance Awareness Week to promote ethical values.