The bill, introduced by Minister of State for Personnel K M R Janarthanan, seeks to formalise the CVC (amendment) Ordinance issued on October 27 and empowers the Commission to probe corruption charges against employees of Central Government, corporations, government companies and local authorities owned or controlled by the Centre.

The Commission will have a chairperson and not more than four vigilance commissioners as members. They will be appointed by the President after obtaining recommendations of a committee consisting of Prime Minister as chairperson, Home Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as members.

It stipulates that the term of the CVC will be for four years from the date on which he enters office or till he attains the age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

The term ofvigilance commissioners will be for a three-year period or till they attain 65 years of age.

The bill said subsequent to promulgation of the Central Vigilance Commission Ordinance on August 25, the amicus curiae in a writ petition in the Supreme Court filed written objections challenging certain provisions of the ordinance.

To rectify the position and after obtaining the attorney general's view, the president promulgated the central vigilance commission (amendment) ordinance.

The cvc and the commissioners would be appointed from amongst persons belonging to the central civil service having knowledge and experience in matters relating to vigilance, policy making and administration including police administration.

They could also be from among people who have held office in a corporation established under a central act or a government company owned or controlled by the centre and persons who have expertise and experience in finance including insurance and banking, law, vigilance and investigations, thebill said adding that not more than three persons in the commission should belong to these categories.

It noted that on ceasing to hold office, the cvc and the commissioners would be ineligible for reappointment in the commission or further employment to any office of profit under the centre or the states.