Lokpal’s performance far from satisfactory : Parliamentary Panel
Recently, the Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice has said that there is a lack of efficiency in the working of Lokpal.
Key observations of the committee –
- Only three complaints lodged with the Ombudsman have been fully investigated. About 90% of the complaints were not in the prescribed format.
- It disposed of 68% of corruption complaints filed against public servants without any action.
- It has not prosecuted even a single person accused of corruption till date.
- The post of chairman was lying vacant for about 10 months. This is against the directions of the Lokpal Act, 2013.
- The Committee has also noted that there are about 50 vacancies in the organization.
Key recommendations
- Complaints relating to corruption should not be dismissed merely on the basis of technical grounds and reasons not being in the format of the complaints.
- Corruption complaints should be dealt with diligently. Also, the anti-corruption landscape within the country should be strengthened.
- There is a need to reduce the delay in appointments to Lokpal.
Ombudsman (Lokpal)
- Under the Lokpal Act, 2013, provision has been made for appointment of anti-corruption ombudsman. It is called Lokpal at the Center and Lokayukta at the State level.
- The institution of Lokpal consists of a chairman and a maximum of 8 members.
- It can inquire into complaints of corruption on all classes of public servants including the Prime Minister.
- Armed forces do not come under the purview of Lokpal.
Source – Economics Times
