Q21. The salary, allowances, and pension payable to the Vigilance Commissioners in the CVC are equivalent to that of:
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 21–30 of 50 questions
Q22. According to the CVC Act, who among the following is explicitly ineligible to hold the office of the Central Vigilance Commissioner?
Explanation
To ensure the impartiality and dedication of the Central Vigilance Commissioner, the law prohibits any person who currently holds an office of profit from being appointed. This rule prevents potential conflicts of interest and ensures that the individual can focus entirely on the Commission’s mandate without being influenced by other professional obligations or financial interests in government-related entities.
Q23. Under the jurisdiction of the Central Vigilance Commission, officers of which rank in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are covered?
Explanation
The Central Vigilance Commission’s advisory jurisdiction extends to senior officers within various public sector financial institutions to prevent high-level banking fraud and corruption. In the specific case of the Reserve Bank of India, the CVC’s oversight and advisory functions cover all officers who hold the rank of Grade D and above in the organization’s hierarchy.
Q24. Which of the following entities is the odd one out, as it does not generally fall under the normal advisory jurisdiction of the Central Vigilance Commission?
Explanation
The CVC’s mandate is restricted to the federal level of the Indian government. Its jurisdiction includes Central Public Sector Enterprises, Public Sector Banks, and autonomous bodies funded by the Union. However, State Government Secretariats and their employees are entirely outside the CVC’s purview, as they are governed by state-specific anti-corruption laws and monitored by state Lokayuktas.
Q25. The following question consists of two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A): The advice tendered by the CVC in disciplinary matters is advisory in nature and not legally binding on the government departments.
Reason (R): The ultimate power to impose penalties on a public servant rests with the disciplinary authority of the respective department.
Assertion (A): The advice tendered by the CVC in disciplinary matters is advisory in nature and not legally binding on the government departments.
Reason (R): The ultimate power to impose penalties on a public servant rests with the disciplinary authority of the respective department.
Explanation
The recommendations made by the CVC in disciplinary matters are considered advisory because the final legal power to impose punishments on a public servant belongs to the disciplinary authority of the servant’s parent department. While the CVC provides an expert opinion on the "vigilance angle," the constitutional and administrative responsibility for disciplinary action remains with the executive departments.
Q26. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the functions and powers of the Central Vigilance Commission.
Explanation
The CVC has significant powers of superintendence over the CBI’s corruption investigations and monitors the progress of cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the CVC is not an enforcement body with the power to directly arrest or prosecute individuals. It must rely on specialized investigative agencies like the CBI or state police to perform those functions.
Q27. Match the categories of organizations with the level of employees covered under the direct advisory jurisdiction of the CVC.
| Categories of Organizations | Level of Employees Covered |
|---|---|
| A. Central Government | i. Scale V and above |
| B. Public Sector Banks | ii. Group ‘A’ Officers |
| C. Public Sector Insurance Companies | iii. Schedule ‘A’ and ‘B’ Chief Executives and Executives on the Board |
| D. Central Public Sector Enterprises | iv. Managers and above |
Explanation
The CVC’s advisory reach varies across different types of public organizations. For the Central Government, it covers Group A officers. In Public Sector Banks, it applies to Scale V officers and above. Managers and above are covered in Insurance companies, while for Central Public Sector Enterprises, the jurisdiction includes Chief Executives and executives on the Board of Directors.
Q28. Which of the following best describes the CVC’s role regarding "superintendence over vigilance administration"?
Explanation
Superintendence over vigilance administration involves ensuring that anti-corruption measures are implemented consistently across all government departments. The CVC achieves this by issuing comprehensive guidelines and directives to the Chief Vigilance Officers who work within individual ministries. This coordination helps maintain a uniform standard of integrity and ensures that vigilance processes are followed correctly throughout the entire administration.
Q29. To whom does the Central Vigilance Commission submit its annual report on its performance?
Explanation
To ensure accountability to the nation, the Central Vigilance Commission is required by law to prepare an annual report detailing its activities, findings, and recommendations. This report is submitted to the President of India. The President then causes the report to be laid before each House of Parliament, allowing for public and legislative scrutiny of the Commission’s performance.
Q30. Read the following statements regarding the CVC’s power to review cases and choose the correct option.
Statement I: The CVC is empowered to review the progress of applications pending with the competent authorities for sanction of prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Statement II: The CVC can compel the competent authority to grant sanction for prosecution within 15 days of its review.
Statement I: The CVC is empowered to review the progress of applications pending with the competent authorities for sanction of prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Statement II: The CVC can compel the competent authority to grant sanction for prosecution within 15 days of its review.
Explanation
The CVC has the authority to review the status of pending applications for the sanction of prosecution against public servants. This power ensures that administrative delays do not block legal proceedings. However, the CVC cannot legally compel a competent authority to grant a sanction within a specific 15-day period, as the power to grant sanction is a separate administrative function.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (d) A Member of the Union Public Service Commission |
| 22 | (b) A person who currently holds an office of profit |
| 23 | (b) Grade D and above |
| 24 | (a) State Government Secretariats |
| 25 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 26 | (b) The CVC has the power to directly arrest and prosecute corrupt officials bypassing the CBI. |
| 27 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 28 | (c) It issues guidelines to Chief Vigilance Officers to ensure the implementation of uniform vigilance practices across departments. |
| 29 | (c) The President of India |
| 30 | (c) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect. |
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.