The bill seeks to amend the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 which provides Lokpal (at Centre) and Lokayukta (at States) statutory backing to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters
Key Provisions:
- Enable the leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha in the absence of a recognised Leader of Opposition to be a member of the selection committee that would select the ombudsman.
- Amends section 44 of parent Act that deals with provision of furnishing of details of assets and liabilities of public servants within 30 days of joining the government service. The amendment has removed the period of 30 days. Now the public servants will make declaration of their assets and liabilities in the form and manner as prescribed by government.
- Gives more time to public servants and trustees and board members of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to declare their assets and those of their spouses.
Points to ponder on which question can be framed:
- Will these changes make institution of LokpalLokpal toothless?
- Will public servant declare their assets at all?
- What was the need to remove the timelimit?
- Is it an attempt to kill these institutions?