In a first, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has decided to develop an 'integrity index' to help government departments assess where they stand on anti-corruption measures.

The integrity index for public sector organisations will be based on bench marking of governance processes by internal and external stakeholders.

The probity watchdog believes that integrity, long-term sustainability and profitability are all closely linked and can help public organisations create islands of excellence in the medium to long term while achieving the objectives.

Accordingly, the CVC wants to undertake a research-based approach to creating an integrity index that various organisations can use to measure themselves and which will evolve with changing needs, the Commission said seeking proposals from reputed academic institutes or organisations with minimum 10 years of experience and expertise in public policy.

"It is for the first time that such a ranking is being planned by the Commission. It will go a long way in ensuring further probity in public organisations," a senior CVC official said.