Former top cop Kiran Bedi's name forwarded by groups for CVC post

The government is expected to issue an advertisement seeking applications from the general public for the post of the Chief Vigilence Commissioner.

Already, the names of many prominent citizens – including Kiran Bedi, a former top cop and the country's first top woman police officer – have been sent to the government by different groups.

This follows the prime minister's office (PMO) finally clearing the revised set of guidelines to select the new chief vigilance commissioner (CVC) and the process of seeking nominations from different ministries and public sector units has begun.

Alka Sirohi, secretary, department of personnel and training, said the new guidelines approved by the PMO are in conformity with the apex court's judgement. ''We have written to all ministries and public sector units asking for nominations to the post of the CVC,'' said Sirohi.

Last month, the Supreme Court had quashed the appointment of former CVC P J Thomas and had directed the government to open up the post to even non-civil servants with experience in banking, insurance, law, vigilance and investigations.

According to the revised guidelines, civil servants seeking the top post should have an outstanding record and should also have impeccable integrity. The candidate should have 33 years of experience if he or she is part of an all-India service and should not be more than 61 years old.