Lokpal and Corruption Administration

Jul 15, 2026

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Lokpal established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 functions as an independent national anti-corruption ombudsman to strengthen transparency and accountability in Indian administration. It conducts independent investigations, promotes openness through asset disclosure, enables citizen complaints, and supervises investigative agencies. It supports accountability via prosecution recommendations and parliamentary reporting, while effectiveness faces challenges such as declining complaints, resource and appointment issues, and uneven state mechanisms.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

INDIAN ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (PAPER 2) 14. SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN INDIAN ADMINISTRATION 6. CORRUPTION & ADMINISTRATION Examine the role of Lokpal in ensuring transparency and accountability in Indian administration. (22/II/8c/10) Corruption has long been a challenge to governance in India, undermining public trust and weakening administrative efficiency. To address this, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 established the Lokpal as an independent anti-corruption ombudsman at the national level. Its primary mandate is to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration by investigating allegations of corruption against highranking officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior civil servants. Role of Lokpal in Transparency • Independent Investigations: Lokpal can conduct inquiries into corruption cases without executive interference, ensuring impartiality. • Asset Disclosure: Public officials are required to declare assets and liabilities, promoting openness in governance. • Citizen Participation: Provides a direct mechanism for citizens to lodge complaints, thereby democratizing accountability. • Oversight of Investigative Agencies: Supervises the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in corruption cases, reducing chances of manipulation. Role of Lokpal in Accountability • Prosecution Powers: Lokpal can recommend prosecution and disciplinary action against corrupt officials, ensuring consequences for misconduct. • Coverage of High Offices: Its jurisdiction extends even to the Prime Minister (with safeguards), reinforcing accountability at the highest levels. • Reporting to Parliament: Annual reports submitted to the President and tabled in Parliament enable legislative oversight and public scrutiny. • Strengthening Federalism: Lokpal complements state-level Lokayuktas, creating a multi-tiered accountability framework. Challenges in Effectiveness • Declining Complaints: Recent reports show a sharp fall in complaints, raising concerns about accessibility and public trust. • Resource Utilization Issues: Criticism over expenditure priorities (e.g., procurement of luxury cars) has dented credibility. • Uneven State Mechanisms: Lokayuktas vary in strength and effectiveness, leading to inconsistency across states. • Delayed Appointments: Initial delays in appointing Lokpal members weakened its legitimacy and impact. Conclusion The Lokpal represents a milestone in India’s anti-corruption framework, designed to uphold transparency and accountability in administration. However, its success depends on political will, adequate resources, and citizen engagement. Strengthening coordination with Lokayuktas, ensuring timely investigations, and enhancing public trust are essential for the Lokpal to evolve into a truly effective guardian of integrity in governance.

Jul 15, 2026

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