Q11. The Central Vigilance Commission was conceived to be the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority. However, it does NOT have jurisdiction over which of the following?
Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC: RAS Prelims MCQs
50 RAS Prelims MCQs on vigilance and accountability cover the ombudsman idea, the Lokpal, the Central Vigilance Commission and the Central Information Commission. The explanations give the origin, statute, term, eligibility and reporting authority of each body, which are the usual points of the exam.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–20 of 50 questions
Q12. In the context of the CVC’s functioning, a "vigilance angle" is said to be involved in a complaint if it relates to:
Explanation
Within the framework of the Central Vigilance Commission, a case is considered to involve a "vigilance angle" when it includes elements of corruption such as demanding or accepting illegal gratification, possession of disproportionate assets, or gross misuse of official position for personal gain. Ordinary administrative errors or performance issues that lack a corrupt motive are generally not classified under this category.
Q13. The Central Vigilance Commission is a multi-member body consisting of a Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and not more than how many Vigilance Commissioners?
Explanation
To ensure collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in a single individual, the Central Vigilance Commission is structured as a multi-member body. According to the CVC Act, the Commission consists of the Central Vigilance Commissioner, who serves as the Chairperson, and a maximum of two other Vigilance Commissioners who assist in the Commission’s duties.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the committee that recommends the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners:
I. The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of the committee.
II. The Minister of Home Affairs is a member.
III. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People is a member.
IV. The Chief Justice of India is a member of the committee.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of the committee.
II. The Minister of Home Affairs is a member.
III. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People is a member.
IV. The Chief Justice of India is a member of the committee.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The selection process for the top leaders of the CVC involves a high-level committee to ensure political and administrative consensus. This committee is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Minister of Home Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The Chief Justice of India does not participate in this specific selection process for the CVC appointments.
Q15. What is the designated term of office for the Central Vigilance Commissioner and other Vigilance Commissioners?
Explanation
The tenure for the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners is specifically defined in the CVC Act to be different from many other statutory bodies.
Q16. Which of the following describes the correct sequence of the process for the removal of the Central Vigilance Commissioner on the grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity?
Explanation
To protect the independence of the CVC, the removal process is rigorous. If there are allegations of proved misbehavior or incapacity, the President refers the matter to the Supreme Court. The Court then conducts a formal inquiry. Only if the Supreme Court, after its investigation, recommends removal, can the President officially remove the Central Vigilance Commissioner from their office.
Q17. Identify the correct statement regarding the eligibility for appointment as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Explanation
The Central Vigilance Commissioner is chosen from civil servants or eminent persons with experience in vigilance, policy-making and administration. Being a judge or an MP is not a requirement.
Q18. Consider the following statements regarding the conditions of service of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC):
I. The salary and allowances of the CVC are equivalent to those of the Chairman of UPSC.
II. The CVC is eligible for reappointment for a second term.
III. Upon ceasing to hold office, the CVC is ineligible for further employment under the Central or State Governments.
IV. The President can suspend the CVC from office during the pendency of an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
V. The CVC can resign by writing under their hand addressed to the Prime Minister.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The salary and allowances of the CVC are equivalent to those of the Chairman of UPSC.
II. The CVC is eligible for reappointment for a second term.
III. Upon ceasing to hold office, the CVC is ineligible for further employment under the Central or State Governments.
IV. The President can suspend the CVC from office during the pendency of an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
V. The CVC can resign by writing under their hand addressed to the Prime Minister.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The CVC’s independence is safeguarded by making their salary equivalent to the UPSC Chairman. They are ineligible for further government employment after their term ends to prevent post-retirement favors. Furthermore, the President has the power to suspend the Commissioner while a Supreme Court inquiry is pending. However, they are not eligible for reappointment and must resign to the President.
Q19. Read the following statements regarding the tenure of a Vigilance Commissioner and choose the correct option.
Statement I: A Vigilance Commissioner, on vacating office, is eligible for appointment as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Statement II: If a Vigilance Commissioner is appointed as the Central Vigilance Commissioner, their combined term in the Commission shall not exceed four years.
Statement I: A Vigilance Commissioner, on vacating office, is eligible for appointment as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Statement II: If a Vigilance Commissioner is appointed as the Central Vigilance Commissioner, their combined term in the Commission shall not exceed four years.
Explanation
A Vigilance Commissioner is eligible to be appointed as the Central Vigilance Commissioner upon the completion of their initial term or during it. However, to ensure that no individual remains in the Commission for an excessive period, the law stipulates that the total combined tenure as both a Vigilance Commissioner and the Central Vigilance Commissioner cannot exceed four years.
Q20. Match the following functional wings of the Central Vigilance Commission with their primary responsibilities.
| Functional Wings | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| A. Secretariat | i. Act as an extended arm of the CVC in various ministries/departments |
| B. Chief Technical Examiners’ Wing | ii. Conduct oral inquiries in departmental proceedings against public servants |
| C. Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDIs) | iii. Technical audit of construction works of governmental organizations |
| D. Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) | iv. Provide administrative and staff support to the Commission |
Explanation
The CVC operates through various specialized units. The Secretariat handles administrative tasks. The Chief Technical Examiners’ Wing conducts audits of government construction projects to identify financial or technical irregularities. The Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries oversee oral inquiries in disciplinary cases, while Chief Vigilance Officers serve as the Commission’s essential link within various government ministries and departments.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (b) Members of the State Legislative Assemblies. |
| 12 | (a) Cases involving demanding or accepting illegal gratification. |
| 13 | (b) Two |
| 14 | (a) I, II and III |
| 15 | (a) 4 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. |
| 16 | (b) President refers the matter to the Supreme Court Supreme Court holds an inquiry and advises President removes the CVC. |
| 17 | (d) The person must be a civil servant or eminent person with experience in vigilance, policy- making, and administration. |
| 18 | (a) I, III and IV |
| 19 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 20 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
Key facts from Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC
- The idea of an ombudsman, which inspired the Lokpal, began in Sweden.
- The CVC was given statutory status by the Central Vigilance Commission Act in 2003.
- The Central Vigilance Commissioner serves four years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- The CVC reports to the President; a vigilance angle involves demanding or accepting illegal gratification.
- A person who holds an office of profit is ineligible to be a Central Vigilance Commissioner.
- The Commissioner is chosen from civil servants or eminent persons with experience in vigilance, policy-making and administration.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC?
This page has 50 practice MCQs on Vigilance and Accountability: Lokpal, CVC and CIC (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which country started the ombudsman system?
Sweden. The Swedish ombudsman, created in the early nineteenth century, became the model for institutions worldwide, including India’s Lokpal and Lokayuktas, which investigate complaints of maladministration and corruption against public servants and ministers.
What is the term of the Central Vigilance Commissioner?
Four years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners have salaries equal to those of the UPSC Chairman and members respectively.
What is the legal status of the CVC?
It is a statutory body, not a constitutional one. The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 gave it statutory status, and it submits its annual report to the President.