Introduction

The Vigilance set up of the Ministry functions under the overall supervision of the Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The Vigilance Wing, led by the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at the Joint Secretary level, is appointed with the approval of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) from among the Divisional Heads of the Ministry. Assisting the CVO, are a Deputy Secretary (Vigilance), an Under Secretary (Vigilance), and a dedicated Vigilance Section.

Separate Vigilance setups are present in the Ministry's autonomous/attached/subordinate offices, public sector undertakings, and registered societies. Vigilance Officers (VOs) in the Media Units, except Prasar Bharati, are appointed by the Ministry. Whereas, the Prasar Bharati, an autonomous organization under the purview of MIB, operates with an independent Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) appointed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T).

The Chief Vigilance Officer of the Ministry also serves as a liaison between the Ministry and Media Units, as well as with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Ministry's CVO plays a coordinating role in aligning vigilance activities across Media Units of the Ministry, following the guidelines set forth by the CVC.

Functions and Duties

Vigilance Division, MIB, primarily deals with :

1. Promoting culture of integrity in the Ministry and Media Units.
2. Proactively sensitizing all concerned to ensure transparency in work.
3. Maintaining proactive approach in investigating misconduct or fraudulent activitics.
4. Vigilance clearance to employees for various purposes
5. Complaint cases received directly in the Ministry.
6. Complaint cases received through the CVC.
7. PIDPI Complaints received from the CVC.
8. Reference received from Hone’ble Lokpal of India.
9. Disciplinary proceedings against Group 'A’ Officers.
10. Disciplinary proceedings against retired personnel.
11. Sanction for prosecution under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, etc.

Vigilance Awareness Week

Every year the Central Vigilance Commission observes 'Vigilance Awareness Week’ to encourage different stakeholders to collectively participate in different anti-corruption measures through different awareness programs. Vigilance Awareness Week is one of the tools of the Commission in increasing public awareness about the perils of corruption. Vigilance Awareness Week is observed every year during the week in which the birthday of SardarVallabhbhai Patel-31st October-occurs. The Central Vigilance Commission also runs a three months special campaign focussing on key selected focus areas of preventive vigilance, as a precursor to the Vigilance Awareness Week. The Vigilance Wing of MIB actively engages in promoting and executing the designated activities for both the special campaign and the Awareness Week in the Ministry and its Media Units.

Rules /Guidelines/ Manuals followed:

The work of Vigilance Division is guided by Rules/ Guidelines/ Instructions/ Manual issued by D/O Personnel & Training, D/O Pensions & Pensioners’ Welfare, Central Vigilance Commission and other relevant department/agency. The primary Rules/Manuals etc. followed are as follows:

Independent External Monitors

In order to ensure transparency, equity and competitiveness in public procurement, Central Vigilance Commission recommends adoption and implementation of the concept of the Integrity Pact by Government organisations, PSEs etc. The Integrity Pact essentially envisages an agreement between the prospective vendors/ bidders and the buyer, commitling the persons /officials of both sides not to resort to any corrupt practices in any aspect/ stage of the contract.

Integrity Pact is implemented through a panel of Independent External Monitors appointed by the organisation, who would review independently and objectively, whether and to what extent parties have complied with their obligations under the Pact on receipt of any complaint by them from the bidder(s). The role of Independent External Monitors is advisory and their advice of is non- binding on the organisaiton.

On the recommendation of Central Vigilance Commission the Ministry has appointed Smt. Rashmi Verma, IAS (Retd.) and Shri Om Prakash Dadhich, IRS (Retd.) as Independent External Monitors for implementation of Integrity Pact, with effect from 28/03/23 for a period of three years.

Reporting Mechanism

A complaint regarding corruption or misuse of office by an employee of the Ministry can be addressed to the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Ministry or to the Vigilance Officer of the concerned Media Unit. Prasar Bharati has an independent Chief Vigilance Officer.

Anonymous or pseudonymous complaints are not addressed. The Central Vigilance Commission Vide Circular No. 03/03/2016, dated 07/03/2016 has clarified that : Any complaint that does not bear the name of the complainant is an anonymous complaint. No action is to be taken on anonymous complaints by the Ministries/ Departments/ Organisations irrespective of the nature of the allegations, and such complaints should be filed, Such complaints shall not be treated as registered complaints.

Similarly, no action is to be taken by the Ministries/ Departments/ Organsiations in the case of pseudonymous complaints. A complaint that does not bear the full particulars of the complainant, is unsigned, or is not subsequently acknowledged by a complainant as having been made, is a pseudonymous complaint.

Vigilance Officers of the Media Units

Important Links

Central Vigilance Commission: https://cvc.gov.in/