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Compendium of CVC Guidelines for Public Procurement

1. Definition and Principles of Public Procurement

1.1 Public Procurement can be defined as the procurement of goods, works and services by Govt. Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Statutory Corporations and Public Sector Undertakings in the Centre, States, Municipal Corporations and other local bodies and by Private Sector Undertakings providing public services.

1.2 Public procurement is like an extension of personal procurement characterised by two key words i.e. transparency and fairness. When we take up any construction work for ourselves or make personal purchases or hire any services, we always try to ensure that we get value for money, good quality and timely delivery. In case of public procurement we have to go a little further i.e. ensure that procurement is done in a transparent, fair, and equitable manner.

1.3 The canon of Public Procurement is to procure work, material, services of the specified quality within the specified time at the most competitive prices in a fair, just and transparent manner.

1.4 In brief, the watchwords in this context are:

  • Transparency
  • Fairness
  • Value for money
  • Quality
  • Time

1.5 Adhering to the canons of public procurement is in fact a tight rope walk involving balance between transparent and fair action on one side and achieving timely delivery of quality goods at competitive rates on the other side. It is indeed more demanding to perform with the implementation of the Right to Information Act 2005, by which all actions and decisions are open for scrutiny by public at large.

1.6 During Intensive Examinations of public procurements done by central public authorities, the CTEO, under CVO have observed a number of irregularities indicating that canons of public procurements have not been adhered to. Some of the irregularities are common in nature which can be easily avoided by being alert and vigilant throughout the process. Towards Preventive Vigilance, the Central Vigilance Commission has been issuing guidelines/instructions from time to time.

1.7 CTEO, CVC has published various instructions, guidelines, circulars and booklets enumerating various irregularities observed during intensive technical examinations. All these circulars and publications are available on the CVC Web Site (http://www.cvc.gov.in).

These instructions / guidelines have been compiled into some categories given below which can be downloaded:

Citizen Empowerment to Report Corruption

On International Anti-Corruption Day, 9th December 2010, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) launched Project VIGEYE — a platform to enable citizens to lodge complaints or disclosures about corruption. This initiative encourages public participation and whistleblowing to fight corruption across the nation.

Who are VIGEYEs?

A VIGEYE is a vigilant citizen or volunteer committed to helping the CVC by reporting corruption. Complaints with valid evidence can be filed after a one-time registration.

Registering as a VIGEYE

Via Web:

Via Mobile:

  • Send a blank SMS or VIGEYE to 09223174440
  • You will receive a registration link via SMS
  • Fill in your name, address, mobile model, etc.
  • Receive app download link, login, and password via SMS
Note: GPRS-enabled mobile phones are required. Supported mobile models can be checked on the CVC website.
How to Submit a Complaint (Mobile)
  1. Login using your user ID and password
  2. Select category, type, organisation, and region
  3. Click Next to proceed
  4. Note your Reference ID
  5. Attach media (photo, audio, video, or notes)
  6. Click Thanks to submit the complaint
  7. Track status by logging in with your mobile number and password
Submit a Complaint (Internet)
  1. Go to www.cvc.nic.in
  2. Click on WEB COMPLAINTS → “Web Complaints System” or “Register Web”
  3. Fill the Web User Registration form
  4. Enter Name, Email, Address, State, Mobile, etc.
  5. Login credentials will be sent via SMS and Email
To Submit a Complaint:
  1. Login using the provided credentials
  2. Fill the complaint form (text + up to 5 files)
  3. Note the system-generated Complaint ID
  4. Track status by logging in anytime
VIGEYE Features
  • Real-time complaint submission
  • Confidential handling of whistle-blower identity
  • Attach audio, photo, or video as evidence
  • Upload via mobile network (GPRS/Wi-Fi)
  • Complaints are reviewed and acted upon by CVC

Visit: Central Vigilance Commission Website

'Whistle-Blower' Complaints to CVC

1. The Government of India has designated the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) as the authority under the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI) resolution to receive complaints related to corruption or misuse of office.

2. The CVC may accept complaints related to employees of the Central Government, public sector undertakings, societies, or local authorities controlled by the Central Government. Complaints related to State Government employees or bodies do not fall under the CVC's jurisdiction.

3. The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential. To ensure this, the complaint should:

  • Be sent in a closed/secured envelope addressed to the Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission.
  • Be clearly superscribed with: "Complaint under The Public Interest Disclosure".
  • Include the complainant’s name and address at the beginning or end of the complaint or in an attached letter.
  • Not be anonymous or pseudonymous; such complaints are not entertained.
  • Be specific and verifiable but avoid language that might reveal the identity of the complainant.

4. The identity of the complainant will not be disclosed unless they themselves reveal it publicly or to any other authority. Any breach of confidentiality by officials may attract disciplinary action.

5. If a complainant faces victimization due to the disclosure, they may seek redress from the CVC, which may issue necessary directions to safeguard the complainant’s interests.

6. If required, CVC may request police or CBI assistance to protect the complainant or witnesses and to support investigations.

7. Motivated or vexatious complaints may result in appropriate action against the complainant.

8. Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) must:

  • Start investigations immediately upon receiving forwarded complaints from CVC and report findings within 2 weeks.
  • Ensure that no punitive action is taken against the whistle-blower.
  • Ensure compliance with the Commission’s directions and report delays or updates as required.

9. The CVC will not entertain complaints that are already under formal inquiry as per the Public Servants Inquiries Act, 1850 or Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

Official Links:
Central Vigilance Commission Website
Amendment (12-09-2013) – Download PDF Icon (96KB)
DoPT OM (16.04.2014) – Download PDF Icon (708KB)

Lodging a Vigilance Complaint

Complaints can be lodged with the Vigilance Office of the Cochin Port Authority (CoPT) by any person, employee, vendor, or contractor who has had dealings with CoPT. Complaints must be against CoPT officials only. Please ensure to provide your full name, complete postal address, and contact phone number.

  • Complaints must be brief and based on verifiable facts. Vague, exaggerated, or absurd allegations are likely to be closed without action.
  • Complaints should be addressed to the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), or to the Chairman, CoPT, if preferred.
  • Any vigilance-related complaint received by CoPT officials must be forwarded to the CVO within 4–5 working days.
  • Allegations involving forgery, corruption, bribery, falsification of records, or disproportionate assets may be referred to competent agencies as per the Vigilance Manual.
  • For contracts above Rs. 3 crores, vendors or contractors may report issues under the Integrity Pact to the Independent External Monitor (IEM), following the prescribed operating procedure.

Complaints received via email that include the complainant’s name and complete postal address will be printed and processed accordingly. Emails lacking this information will be treated as pseudonymous and handled as per complaint handling guidelines.

Vigilance Activities

Cochin Port Authority is committed to fight corruption in all spheres of its operations. To uphold an honest, transparent and efficient organizational culture, through awareness, system improvement and preventive measures, the Vigilance Wing of the Port Authority is functioning under a Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO).

Functions of Vigilance Wing include:
  • Handling of complaints.
  • Investigation into verifiable allegations.
  • Collection of intelligence about corrupt practices.
  • References to CVC for advice on disciplinary matters, etc.

Port Users, and also general public, may please be aware that, if you have any information on corruption in the Port Authority, or if you are a victim of corruption in Port Authority you are welcome to lodge your complaint with the Chairman, Cochin Port Authority or the CVO, Cochin Port Authority or the Central Vigilance Commission, New Delhi.

The Contact Details are :
Shri. B. Kasiviswanathan, IRSME

Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority

Cochin - 682 009.

Email: chairman@cochinport.gov.in

Shri. T. Prabhu, IOFS

Chief Vigilance Officer, Cochin Port Authority

Cochin - 682 009.

Email: cvo@cochinport.gov.in

The Secretary

Central Vigilance Commission

Satarkata Bhawan,

GPO Complex, Block A, INA,

New Delhi - 110 023

The Superintendent of Police

CBI/ACB/Cochin, Kathrikadavu,

Kaloor P.O., Cochin - 682017.

Telephone: 0484-2348501 / 2348601 (O)

Email: spaccoch@cbi.gov.in