The Union government has strengthened the country’s anti-corruption framework with a key appointment. Shri Praveen Vashista, a senior Indian Police Service officer, has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He formally assumed office after taking oath on January 16, 2026, marking an important development in India’s vigilance and integrity administration.
Why in News?
The President of India has appointed Shri Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission under the provisions of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
Appointment and Oath-Taking Ceremony
- Shri Praveen Vashista was appointed through a Presidential warrant dated December 12, 2025, exercising powers under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003.
- He made and subscribed to his oath of office on January 16, 2026, before the Central Vigilance Commission.
- The oath was administered by the Central Vigilance Commissioner, who was authorised by the President under Section 5(3) of the Act.
- The ceremony was attended by senior officials from vigilance and enforcement agencies.
About Shri Praveen Vashista
- Shri Praveen Vashista is a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Bihar cadre.
- He has over three decades of distinguished service, with experience spanning law enforcement, crisis response, internal security, and economic offence investigations.
- His long career reflects deep exposure to both field-level policing and high-level policy formulation.
Experience in State Policing and Investigation
- During his service in Bihar, Shri Vashista served as Inspector General (IG) of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
- As Superintendent of Police, he handled law and order in sensitive districts such as Ranchi, Dumka, and Garhwa, demonstrating operational leadership in challenging environments.
- He also served in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as SP and DIG, strengthening his expertise in complex investigations.
Key Roles at the Centre
- On central deputation, Shri Vashista held several critical positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs, including Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and Special Secretary (Internal Security).
- In these roles, he was involved in national security policy, internal security management, and coordination with central and state agencies.
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
| Heading | Details |
| About Central Vigilance Commission | - Apex vigilance and integrity institution of India
- Exercises superintendence over vigilance administration in organizations under the executive authority of the Government of India
- Functions with complete independence and autonomy
- Not controlled by any Ministry or Department
- Responsible to Parliament
|
| Background | - Established in 1964
- Based on recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption
- Committee chaired by Shri K. Santhanam
- Granted statutory status through the CVC Act, 2003
|
| Composition (CVC Act, 2003) | Multi-member body consisting of, - 1 Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson)
- Up to 2 Vigilance Commissioners (Members)
|
| Organizational Structure | - Own Secretariat
- Chief Technical Examiners (CTE) Wing
- Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDI) Wing
|
| Appointment | Appointed by the President of India On recommendation of a committee consisting of, - Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Minister of Home Affairs
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
|
| Tenure | - 4 years from the date of assuming office
- Or till attaining 65 years of age
- Whichever is earlier
|
| Salary and Allowances | - Central Vigilance Commissioner: Same as Chairman of UPSC
- Vigilance Commissioner: Same as Member of UPSC
|
| Removal from Office | Removed by the President if, - Declared insolvent
- Convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude
- Engages in paid employment outside official duties
- Declared unfit due to mental or physical infirmity
For proved misbehavior or incapacity, - Matter referred to the Supreme Court
- Removal only after SC inquiry and recommendation
|
| Powers | - Has powers of a Civil Court while conducting inquiries
- Can summon persons, examine witnesses, and demand documents
- Proceedings have a judicial character
|
| Functions | - Exercises superintendence over CBI in corruption cases against Central Government employees
- Advises Central Government and authorities on vigilance matters
- Advice is advisory in nature, not binding
- If advice is not accepted, reasons must be communicated to the CVC
|
Question
Q. Shri Praveen Vashista has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner under which Act?
A. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
B. Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003
C. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
D. Delhi Special Police Establishment Act