Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, ending the public's faith in democratic institutions. Critically analyse the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WIPA), and the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 to enhance the effectiveness of the anti-corruption regime.
Introduction
Corruption refers to the wrongful use and abuse of office for pecuniary and private gains, which is against the paradigm of good governance.
23 words
Main Body
Ex: CDAL Auctions, Panja signal line. Matsya Naya shows dysfunctions leading to corruption and erosion of transparency. Fall of democratic functioning. In this context, there is need to clarify and harmonize laws of Lokpal and Lokayukta, RTI Act, Whistleblower Protection Act.
RTI Act, 2005 deal with Right to Information as part of citizen's fundamental right under Article 19. Strengthen access with impartiality PIO in all public authority. Uneasy CBI and SIC as institutions. Timeline of 30 days and 90 hours (if urgent). Laws, harmonization and section to anti-corruption. Whistleblower Protection. Duty of state is protect informer. Liability funds for security and collect evidence. Lokpal and Lokayukta as statutory bodies to inquire into corruption of civil servants, ministers including conduct, jurisdiction of Prime Minister. Harmonising RTI, WPA and Lokpal can: 1) Lead to remedying clause on 'Official Secrets Act' under RTI and minimise exemptions under Schedule 4.
Conclusion
RTI Act, WPA and Lokpal can lead to remedying clause on Official Secrets Act and minimize exemptions. Enhanced budget, citizen awareness and whistleblower codification at state level are critical for good governance.
32 words
Diagram
Diagram showing causes of corruption leading to dysfunctions and ultimately Fall of Democratic Functioning.
K.N. Chandana Jahnavi
Governance, Transparency, Accountability and E-governance
Transparency and Accountability
Anti-Corruption Mechanisms
295
Total words
1
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone