Lokpal Bill-Suggestion

Suggestion for Jan Lokpal Bill Date: 25-04-2011

Existing rule that anonymous complaints should not be entertained by CVC/SVC/Lokayukta/other govt. offices is one of the biggest facilitator of corruption and misdeeds in govt. offices. This clause guarantees safety to wrong doers, at the cost of life of whistle blowers who state their true name and address in complaints. It would be interesting to find out how name and address of complainant will make any difference to gravity and veracity of contents of complaint. There is no justification on the part of govt. to risk life of whistle blowers by knowing their names and addresses. Govt. should be more concerned about contents of complaint.

If anonymous complaints are also being looked into by Govt., it will act as a deterrent to corrupt officers/politicians and other wrong doers, to some extent. Public has wealth of information which can be developed to contain corruption. Common man has first hand experience of corruption in govt. offices. However they do not want to share at the cost of harassment or life from politicians and high ranking officers of govt.

If there is some substance indicative of corruption or wrong doings, a full fledged investigation may be ordered. Normally citizens will try to anonymously supply more proofs to substantiate complaint. He would be tracking progress of investigation through his channels in office. Resources which will be used for ensuring safety of whistle blowers, can be better utilized for preliminary enquiries of anonymous complaints. This system will encourage more whistle blowers to ‘shout’ silently, for containing corruption and wrongs in governance. He will himself guarantee his safety through anonymity of his identity, while helping the country in exposing misdeeds of govt. offices.

I therefore suggest that proposed bill should provide for inquiry of anonymous complaints by Lokpal, provided reasonable information is available in the complaint pointing towards corruption.