The Central Vigilance Commission is a statutory body and its functions and powers are prescribed under Section 8 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 which empowers the Commission to-
- # exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation in so far as it relates to the investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988;
- # give directions to the CBI for the purpose of discharging the responsibility under sub-section (1) of section 4 of the DPSE Act, 1946;
- # inquire or cause an inquiry or investigation to be made into any complaint received against any official specified in sub-section (2) of Section 8 on allegations of offences committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act,1988;
- # to review the progress of investigations conducted by the CBI in PC Act cases;
- # to exercise suprintendence over the vigilance administration of the various Central Government Ministries/Departments or Corporations established by or under any central Act, Government Companies, Societies and local authorities owned or controlled by the Government;
- # tender advise to the Central Govt. Ministries/Departments/Public Sector Enterprises /Public Sector Banks/ Autonomous organisations/ Societies and Local Authorities owned & controlled by the Central Govt.