Santhanam Committee

Background and evolution

In the early years of planning, the expansion of government controls, licences and public works created new opportunities for corruption. Parliament debated the issue repeatedly, and in 1962 the Ministry of Home Affairs set up a committee under K. Santhanam, a member of Parliament and former freedom fighter, to review the problem and suggest remedies.

The committee's report, submitted in 1964, was frank. It noted that corruption had spread to the higher levels of administration and politics, and it famously observed the practice of "speed money"—bribes paid to make officials act faster. It argued that preventing corruption required not just punishment but simpler procedures, fewer discretionary powers and higher standards of conduct for ministers and officials.

Key features and provisions

• Central Vigilance Commission: recommended an independent body to advise the government on vigilance matters; the CVC was set up by an executive resolution in February 1964 and became statutory under the CVC Act 2003.
• Codes of conduct: proposed codes for ministers and legislators, and revised conduct rules for civil servants.
• Disproportionate assets: suggested making possession of assets disproportionate to known income a criminal offence, which was added to the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947.
• Vigilance machinery: vigilance officers in every ministry and department.
• Procedural reform: reducing discretion and delays to curb "speed money".
• Prosecution: faster disciplinary and criminal proceedings.