CVOs can now receive complaints from whistle-blowers

The cabinet has approved an amendment that will allow chief vigilance officers (CVOs) of ministries to receive complaints from whistle-blowers, a minister said Friday.

The cabinet nod came Thursday evening to ease the workload of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

"The cabinet has approved an amendment to the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI) Resolution which will allow chief vigilance officers of ministries to receive complaints," Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari told reporters.

The Central Vigilance Commission is the designated agency to receive complaints from whistle-blowers under the PIDPI Resolution No. 89 of April 21, 2004.

With the commission's workload increasing on account of the rise in the number of complaints under the PIDPI Resolution, the government felt the need to designate additional authorities for receiving grievances, an official statement said.

The amendment would enable speedy disposal of complaints and make public servants more responsible and accountable, thereby helping the government to combat and eradicate corruption, the statement added.