Vigilance Case Pendency Cut from 4,000 to 700 Through Reforms: Dr Jitendra Singh

NEW DELHI, Aug 3: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said sustained administrative reforms, technology-driven governance and continuous monitoring have significantly strengthened India’s vigilance framework, reducing the pendency of disciplinary cases from over 4,000 to nearly 700 in the last three to four years. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with outgoing Central Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava, who called on him after completing his tenure and briefed him on the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) key initiatives to modernise vigilance administration. Dr Singh said transparent and time-bound vigilance mechanisms are essential for good governance and enhancing public confidence in institutions. He noted that the sharp decline in pending disciplinary cases reflects the success of coordinated reforms across ministries and departments. During the meeting, Srivastava highlighted the Commission’s efforts to streamline vigilance administration by reviewing over 600 vigilance-related circulars, leading to the issuance of nine Master Circulars, two public notices and an updated Vigilance Manual. The minister was also briefed on the Vigilance Status Portal (VSP), which enables end-to-end digital processing of vigilance clearance proposals, and the revamped Vigilance Case Management System (VCMS), designed to facilitate real-time monitoring and faster disposal of cases. The discussion also covered reforms in public procurement, including updated procurement manuals developed with the Department of Expenditure to improve transparency, consistency and ease of implementation across government organisations. Dr Singh said the government is increasingly leveraging digital governance, cyber security, artificial intelligence and fraud prevention tools to make vigilance administration more preventive, predictive and efficient. The meeting also reviewed the Commission’s online complaint management system, specialised training programmes for vigilance officers, and nationwide awareness initiatives promoting integrity and ethical governance. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a transparent, accountable and technology-driven governance system, and appreciated Srivastava’s contribution to strengthening India’s vigilance framework during his tenure.