Former Special Secretary for Internal Security Praveen Vashista received a significant appointment on Friday. The Ministry of Home Affairs accepted his voluntary retirement request on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu appointed him as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission the very next day.
Swearing-In Ceremony Marks New Role
Vashista, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Bihar cadre, took his oath of office on Friday. He served as Special Secretary for Internal Security since December 2024. His regular retirement was scheduled for July this year, but he chose voluntary retirement instead.
Legal Framework for the Appointment
The Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2003 governs this appointment. This legislation establishes the commission's structure. It mandates one Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners. These commissioners serve four-year terms or until they turn sixty-five years old.
Distinguished Career Spans Three Decades
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions issued a formal statement about the appointment. It highlighted Vashista's impressive career. "He has a distinguished career spanning over three decades," the ministry noted. "He served in diverse and important areas during his service."
The ministry's statement referenced the President's warrant dated December 12, 2025. It confirmed the appointment under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act. This section grants the President authority to appoint Vigilance Commissioners.
Immediate Transition After Retirement
The Ministry of Home Affairs processed Vashista's retirement request quickly. A competent authority accepted his voluntary retirement on Thursday. This cleared the way for his new role in the anti-corruption watchdog. The Central Vigilance Commission plays a crucial role in maintaining integrity within the central government.
Vashista's appointment fills one of the two Vigilance Commissioner positions. The commission now has its full complement of three senior officials. This ensures the body can function effectively in its oversight capacity.
