Govt Revises Vigilance Guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to Boost Transparency and Accountability

Govt Revises Vigilance Guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to Boost Transparency and Accountability

New Delhi: Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), under the Ministry of Finance, has released updated and consolidated guidelines on vigilance policy for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), vide F.No.15 (2)/2001-DPE (GM) dated 22nd July 2025. The revised guidelines are published to provide anti-corruption measures and improve transparency across public enterprises.

A model vigilance structure has been recommended for CPSEs, including the formation of dedicated wings for investigation, preventive vigilance, anti-corruption, disciplinary actions, and technical oversight. The Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) will report directly to the Chief Executive and is expected to operate independently to ensure unbiased functioning.

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For CPSEs under Schedule A and B, the CVOs will have administrative and financial powers similar to functional Directors (excluding board-level pay benefits), and may attend board meetings only when vigilance issues are discussed. The guidelines also state that up to 50% of posts in vigilance wings can be filled through deputation from other CPSEs.

The rules also outline a systematic structure for handling complaints against top officials like CMDs and Directors. A Group of Officers (GoO) led by the Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat, will screen and recommend actions on such complaints, ensuring faster and fairer redressal.

Additionally, CPSEs must now randomly scrutinize 20% of their employees’ annual property returns within a five-year cycle.

The guidelines further discourage the practice of CPSEs giving gifts to government officials and emphasize the importance of a written test in the recruitment of Management Trainees to maintain fairness and transparency.

These guidelines will help CPSEs build a robust and ethical framework, and all ministries are required to implement the revised norms promptly.