Message from CVO
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, when your actions back your words, when you know inside that you are living true to yourself, that is when you can’t be anything but happy because – Happiness lies in integrity.
Integrity is a virtue that must be inculcated, imbibed and regularly reinforced in every individual from a very young age, to be able to grow and evolve into a responsible citizen. It is one of the most essential values an employer seeks in employees. Integrity at workplace fosters a clear, open and transparent environment that encourages elements of objectivity, positivity and sincerity, leading to an empowered, enabled, and ethical decision making.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has been focusing on improving the internal managerial processes through systemic improvements. We are committed towards introducing technology-based initiatives in all aspects of our working, eliminating potential for misuse through manual interventions and thereby bringing more transparency and objectivity.
If management is about running a business, vigilance is about seeing that it is run ethically. Vigilance work is a necessary management function and there should be greater interaction between vigilance officials and staff of the PFRDA to make vigilance, an integral part of management decisions. Core purpose of vigilance set up is to promote a vigilant culture including continuous improvements in our internal systems, processes and practices, as enabler to businesses.
I, on behalf of Team Vigilance PFRDA, appeal to all internal stakeholders to actively work towards promoting integrity in all aspects of our life and invite you to join our efforts in creating, nurturing and maintaining a healthy vigilance culture in PFRDA.
Shri B. V. S. Atchuta Rao
Chief Vigilance Officer
Roles and Functions of CVO
The Government of India appoints Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in various Ministries, Departments, Central Public Sector Undertakings, Public Sector Banks, Public Sector Insurance Companies, Autonomous Bodies, Societies, etc. to oversee vigilance activities. Typically, a CVO in the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is an external appointee on deputation by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, after consulting with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
Primary Responsibilities:
The Chief Executive of a Bank or Public Sector Enterprise holds the primary responsibility for maintaining efficiency, integrity, and transparency within the organization. The CVO assists the Chief Executive in these duties by acting as an advisor and reporting directly to them. The CVO heads the Vigilance Department and serves as a liaison between the organization, the Central Vigilance Commission, and the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Vigilance Functions:
The CVO's vigilance functions are extensive and include:
1. Collecting Intelligence: Gathering information about corrupt practices committed or likely to be committed by employees.
2. Investigations: Conducting or initiating investigations into reported allegations.
3. Processing Reports: Reviewing investigation reports for further action by the disciplinary authority.
4. Commission Referrals: Referring matters to the Central Vigilance Commission for advice when necessary.
5. Preventive Measures: Implementing steps to prevent improper practices and misconduct.
Categories of Vigilance Functions:
The functions of a CVO can be broadly categorized into three areas:
1. Preventive Vigilance: Implementing measures to prevent corruption and misconduct.
2. Punitive Vigilance: Acting against employees involved in misconduct.
3. Surveillance and Detection: Monitoring activities to detect and address potential issues.
While punitive actions are crucial, the CVO's role is predominantly preventive, focusing on reducing the occurrence of vigilance cases through surveillance and preventive measures.
Jurisdiction and Expectations:
The Central Vigilance Commission has jurisdiction over any organization under the administrative control of the Central Government, including the appointment of Chief Executives and Board Members. CVOs are expected to ensure that vigilance activities are conducted in accordance with CVC guidelines across the organization, its subsidiaries, and joint ventures.
How to Lodge Vigilance Complaints?
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all its operations. As part of our vigilance framework, we welcome complaints related to corruption or misconduct by PFRDA officials. These complaints help us maintain ethical governance and ensure accountability at every level.
Guidelines for Submitting a Vigilance Complaint:
- Against Whom:
Complaints must pertain strictly to the officials of PFRDA. Matters involving external intermediaries or unrelated individuals will not be entertained.
- No Anonymous Complaints:
Anonymous or pseudonymous complaints are not accepted. Complainants must provide their full name, address, and contact details to help establish the authenticity of the complaint.
- Content of Complaint:
The complaint should be brief, factual, and verifiable. Vague allegations, generalizations, or absurd claims are liable to be dismissed without action.
- Scope of Vigilance Complaints:
Only complaints that have a vigilance angle, such as corruption, abuse of authority, or unethical practices, will be taken up. Issues that are sub-judice (under court litigation) will not be considered.
- No Withdrawal Permitted:
Once a complaint is submitted and action initiated, it will be pursued to its logical conclusion, regardless of any request from the complainant to withdraw it.
- Submission Format:
Complaints should ideally be addressed to the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) directly in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential.”
- Confidentiality Assured:
The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential upon specific request.
Contact Name & Address
Name: Shri B. V. S. Atchuta Rao
Designation: Chief Vigilance Officer, PFRDA
Address: 5th floor, Tower -E, WTC Block E, Block F, Nauroji Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110029
Contact Details:
- Shri Arumugarangarajan, CGM, Vigilance - 011-26543118
- Shri M. Ismail Salam, DGM, Vigilance - 011-26517501 Extn 152
Email:
cvo[at]pfrda[dot]org[dot]in