Govt expedites efforts to fill vacant posts in CVC

Officials said the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has "in-principle" agreed to fill all vacant posts in the anti-corruption watchdog and a meeting in this regard is likely to be scheduled soon.

According to the Commission's annual report, as many as 33 posts were lying vacant.

"The quantum of work in the CVC is increasing. The government will soon decide on filling up the vacancies," an official said.

As per the report, the CVC has strength of 285, of which 252 are filled. Of the total vacancies, seven are at the Group A Level (including Secretaries and Additional Secretaries), eight at Group B (Deputy Secretary and above), 16 at Group C (Section Officer) and four at Group D level (clerical and non-executive staff).

Besides, they said, the government was also considering to recommend creation of additional posts in the probity watchdog.

"The Centre is analysing staff strength and its requirement to ensure efficient and hassle-free working. A decision on sanctioning additional staff, besides filling vacancies, will be taken soon," the official said.

In a related development, a Parliamentary Standing Committee had recently expressed its concern over the "acute shortage" in the anti-corruption watchdog.

"The Committee took serious note of the acute shortage of manpower in the CVC particularly... The Committee hopes that CVC will prioritise the filling up of vacant positions in a phased manner," it had recommended.

The CVC is a statutory body empowered to inquire or cause an inquiry or investigation on a reference made by the Central Government. It is also empowered to exercise superintendence over the vigilance administration of the various central government ministries, departments and organisations.