Budget 2013: Token increase for CVC, Lokpal

NEW DELHI: The government today provided a nominal increase of Rs 26 lakh in the Budget estimates of about Rs 20 crore for Central Vigilance Commission ( CVC) to meet its establishment-related expenditure and made a token provision for proposed anti-graft watchdog, Lokpal.

The budgetary provisions given to Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions under vigilance head for 2013-14 is Rs 19.73 crore as against the revised Budget of Rs 19.47 crore in the current fiscal ending March 31.

"The provision is for establishment-related expenditure of the Central Vigilance Commission and a token provision for Lokpal," according to the notes on Demand of Grants for the next fiscal.

The government had given Rs 19.34 crore for 2011-12 to CVC, which acts as the government's nodal agency to check corruption and ensure transparency, to meet its expenditures. The government had allocated Rs 17.66 crore to CVC during 2010-11. The Lokpal Bill is at present under consideration of Parliament.