Form Lokpal Inquiry, Prosecution Wings Within 6 Months: Parliamentary Panel to Govt

Quick Summary:

• A Parliamentary Panel has urged the government to establish inquiry and prosecution wings for the Lokpal within six months to enhance its efficiency.
• Recruitment of qualified personnel such as investigators,legal experts,and prosecutors has been recommended as a priority.
• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act,2013 mandates an inquiry wing headed by a director of inquiry for preliminary examinations under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• It also mandates a prosecution wing led by a director of prosecution for prosecuting public servants found guilty of corruption.
• Since its establishment on March 27,2019,the Lokpal’s operations rely on external agencies like CVC and CBI due to these missing wings.
• procedural delays and coordination challenges with external agencies are noted as significant drawbacks affecting efficiency.
• Public trust in the anti-corruption ombudsman is reportedly weakened due to an incomplete institutional framework.
• The panel recommended strict timelines for inquiries, digital platforms for secure submissions, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Indian Opinion analysis:

The delay in operationalizing dedicated inquiry and prosecution wings within Lokpal hinders India’s ability to fight corruption effectively.Reliance on external bodies like CVC or CBI introduces inefficiencies through procedural delays or potential conflicts of interest-issues that undermine public faith in institutions meant to uphold accountability. Implementing these wings within six months would not only align with statutory requirements but also strengthen institutional independence essential for tackling cases transparently. A structured approach emphasizing qualified recruitment coupled with digital infrastructure could minimize bureaucratic hurdles while boosting long-term credibility. Resolving this matter promptly will be critical in showcasing India’s commitment toward eradicating systemic corruption.

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