New Delhi: Vigilance Commissioner A S Rajeev has assumed charge as the Acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) with effect from August 3, 2026, following the completion of the tenure of incumbent Praveen Kumar Srivastava. The Centre has authorised Rajeev to head the country’s apex anti-corruption watchdog until a regular Central Vigilance Commissioner is appointed.
The appointment has been made under the provisions of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, ensuring continuity in the functioning of the Commission during the interregnum.
DoPT Notification Authorises Acting Charge
According to a notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on July 31, 2026, the President has authorised A S Rajeev, who is presently serving as a Vigilance Commissioner, to discharge the duties of the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
The notification states, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 10 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, the President is pleased to authorize A.S. Rajeev, Vigilance Commissioner, Central Vigilance Commission, to act as the Central Vigilance Commissioner… with effect from the date of occurrence of vacancy, i.e., 3rd day of August, 2026, until the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner.”
Rajeev will continue as Acting CVC until the appointment of a regular Central Vigilance Commissioner or until further orders are issued by the Government.
Succeeds Praveen Kumar Srivastava
Rajeev succeeds Praveen Kumar Srivastava (IAS:1988:Assam-Meghalaya), whose tenure as the Central Vigilance Commissioner concluded on August 2, 2026.
Srivastava was appointed as Vigilance Commissioner on July 21, 2022, joined the Commission on August 3, 2022, and subsequently took over as the Central Vigilance Commissioner. He formally took oath as CVC on May 29, 2023, and led the Commission during an important phase of strengthening vigilance administration and anti-corruption oversight.
Who is A S Rajeev?
A S Rajeev is a distinguished banking professional with nearly four decades of experience in India’s public sector banking system. Before joining the Central Vigilance Commission, he served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Maharashtra, where he played a significant role in improving the bank’s financial performance and governance standards.
The President of India appointed him as a Vigilance Commissioner on February 9, 2024, and he assumed office in the Commission on March 11, 2024.
His appointment as Acting CVC places an experienced financial administrator at the helm of India’s premier vigilance institution.
Strong Academic and Professional Credentials
Mr Rajeev possesses an impressive academic and professional profile.
He is:
- A graduate in Mathematics
- A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA)
- Holds an MBA in Banking and Finance
- A Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB)
- Holder of a Diploma in Information System Audit (DISA)
His diverse qualifications have enabled him to build expertise across banking operations, finance, risk management, technology and governance.
Banking Career Spanning Nearly Four Decades
Rajeev’s professional journey spans over 38 years across several leading public sector banks.
He began his banking career with Syndicate Bank before moving to Vijaya Bank, where he held several senior positions, including General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, handling portfolios such as Treasury, International Banking, Planning & Development and Vigilance.
In 2016, he was appointed Executive Director of Indian Bank, where he contributed significantly to strengthening the bank’s profitability and asset quality.
Later, as Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Maharashtra from December 2018 to February 2024, Rajeev steered the bank through a transformational phase. Under his leadership, the bank successfully exited the Reserve Bank of India’s Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework while improving operational efficiency, profitability and financial stability.
Leadership Beyond Banking
Apart from heading major public sector banks, Rajeev has served in several important institutional roles.
He has been:
- Vice Chairman of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
- Nominee Director on the Boards of:
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- EXIM Bank
- New India Assurance Company Limited
These assignments provided him with extensive exposure to financial regulation, corporate governance and institutional oversight.
Role of the Central Vigilance Commission
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is India’s apex statutory body responsible for promoting integrity and combating corruption within Central Government organisations.
Its major responsibilities include:
- Supervising vigilance administration across Central Government departments and public sector organisations.
- Strengthening preventive vigilance mechanisms.
- Monitoring implementation of anti-corruption measures.
- Promoting ethical governance and transparency.
- Enhancing public awareness against corruption.
- Encouraging citizen participation and international cooperation in anti-corruption initiatives.
The Commission plays a crucial role in strengthening accountability and improving governance standards across the public sector.
Continuity Until New CVC is Appointed
With A S Rajeev taking over as Acting Central Vigilance Commissioner, the government has ensured uninterrupted functioning of the country’s premier vigilance institution.
His extensive administrative, financial and governance experience is expected to help maintain continuity in the Commission’s work until a regular Central Vigilance Commissioner is appointed by the Centre.
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