Recently, the Lokpal, India’s first anti-corruption ombudsman, revealed data showcasing its limited productivity since its establishment.

About Lokpal

• The Lokpal is a national-level anti-corruption institution established to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officials. 
• It serves as an independent body to ensure accountability among ministers and government employees.
• Establishment: The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, passed in 2013, came into force in 2014. 
• However, the first Lokpal, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh, was appointed only in 2019 after a delay of nearly five years. 
  • The Act mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas at the state level.
• Historical Background : Its establishment follows recommendations from various committees and commissions, such as the First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966) and the 2nd ARC (2005).

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Composition of Lokpal

• Lokpal consists of a chairperson and up to eight members, with at least 50% being judicial members.
• The members must include representatives from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, and women.
• The selection committee comprises the Prime Minister (Chairperson), Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India or a nominated judge, and an eminent jurist.

Low Productivity of Lokpal

• Limited Cases Handled:
  • Only 24 investigations ordered and six prosecution sanctions granted since its establishment.
  • Over 90% of complaints rejected due to incorrect format or lack of compliance with procedural requirements.
• Complaints Received:
  • From April to December 2024, 226 complaints were registered.
  • 3% complaints were against the Prime Minister or Union Ministers, 21% against Group A-D central government officials, and 41% against “Others,” including state officials.

Factors for Low Productivity of Lokpal

• Delayed Appointment: First Lokpal was appointed five years after the Act’s implementation.
• Dependency on Other Agencies: Investigations rely on the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to the absence of internal inquiry mechanisms.
• Structural Limitations: Absence of financial and administrative independence reduces its functional efficacy.
  • Heavy emphasis on the format of complaints rather than content leads to high rejection rates.
• Legislative Challenges: Lack of power to initiate investigations independently against public servants.
  • Limitations such as a 7-year period to file complaints and severe penalties for false complaints deter reporting.
• Insufficient Coordination: Weak collaboration with state Lokayuktas and other decentralized anti-corruption bodies.

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Way Forward

• Enhance Functional Autonomy: Ensure financial, administrative, and operational independence of Lokpal to reduce reliance on other agencies.
• Streamline Complaint Procedures: Simplify the complaint submission process to focus on content rather than format.
• Fill Vacancies: Expedite the appointment of key personnel such as the Director of Inquiry and Director of Prosecution.
• Strengthen State Coordination: Align state Lokayukta Acts with the Lokpal Act to ensure consistent anti-corruption mechanisms across the country.
• Public Awareness: Conduct campaigns to educate citizens about the Lokpal’s role and procedures to encourage participation.
• Technological Integration: Leverage digital tools for better complaint tracking, investigation monitoring, and operational transparency.