Govt Vs Anna Lokpal Drafts

Following is a list of weak provisions in the government’s lokpal draft released on June 21st.

1 Not covering lower bureaucracy (below Group A officers) under the scope of Lokpal's investigations

2 By law, instituting 2 year minimum prison term for frivolous complainant, rather than allowing the judge to decide minimum punishment

3 Having to hear the accused and provide evidence prior to initiating investigation and prosecution.

4 Not having expedite mechanism to make appeals/trials faster.

5 Not covering PM’s Office

6 Not allowing citizens to directly petition the Supreme Court for dismissal of corrupt Lokpal members

7 Not instituting powerful Lokayukthas in States

8 Not having the power to impose penalty to civil servants violating Citizen’s charter.

9 Not merging CBI’s anticorruption wing with Lokpal

10 Having to consult Finance ministry in deciding the budget for lokpal.

11 Not having the direct power to wiretap phone conversations (need permission from Home
Ministry).

12 Not covering MPs actions within the parliament

13 Having only 4 of the 10 members in the Selection Committee being independent of the government.

14 Not merging CVC with Lokpal

15 Not covering whistleblower protection law

16 Not having the direct power to dismiss civil servants found to be corrupt

17 Not covering Judges


I feel strongly that the government should reverse its position for point 1 through 6. Point 7 and 8 are also excellent suggestions from the civil society that the government is ignoring.