What is Lokpal and Lokayuktas?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
The Lokpal Act, 2013 provides for the establishment of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the State level.
- 2.
The Lokpal has jurisdiction to inquire into allegations of corruption against the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Group A, B, C and D officers of the Central Government.
- 3.
The Lokayuktas have jurisdiction over state government officials.
- 4.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas have powers to conduct inquiries, investigations, and recommend disciplinary action.
- 5.
They can also direct prosecution of corrupt officials.
- 6.
The Act provides for protection of whistleblowers.
- 7.
The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight Members, of whom 50% shall be judicial members.
- 8.
The Chairperson and Members are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
- 9.
The Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in public administration.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Lokpal and Lokayuktas
Timeline showing the key milestones in the evolution of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas institutions in India.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was enacted after decades of advocacy to address corruption at the national and state levels.
- 1960sConcept of Lokpal first proposed by Ashok Kumar Sen.
- 2002The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution recommends the establishment of Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
- 2011Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement gains momentum, demanding the establishment of Lokpal.
- 2013The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 is passed by the Parliament of India.
- 2019The first Lokpal of India, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, is appointed.
- 2026Debates continue regarding the effectiveness and independence of Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsAppointment of the first Lokpal of India in 2019.
Ongoing debates about the effectiveness and independence of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
Efforts to strengthen the powers and resources of these institutions.
Implementation challenges related to staffing, infrastructure, and coordination with other agencies.
Increasing public awareness about the role of Lokpal and Lokayuktas in combating corruption.