Lokpal Adopts New Motto: Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption
- vidyarthee2021
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
The full bench of the Lokpal of India has adopted a new motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption,” underscoring its mission to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration.
What is Lokpal?
Legal Backing: Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to investigate complaints of corruption against public functionaries, including the Prime Minister.
Jurisdiction: Covers public servants in India and abroad.
Objective: To create an independent and effective institution to curb corruption in high places.
Structure and Appointment
Composition: 1 Chairperson + 8 Members (at least 50% must be judicial members).
Eligibility:
Should not be an MP or MLA
Should not be convicted of any offence
Should be 45 years or older
Chairperson:
May be the Chief Justice of India, a Supreme Court judge, or an eminent person with anti-corruption expertise
Term: 5 years or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance – Statutory bodies, Transparency, and Accountability
Prelims: Features and Composition of Lokpal
GS Paper 4: Ethics in Governance, Anti-Corruption Measures
Essay: Role of Institutions in Democratic Governance
Prelims Practice Question (UPSC CSE Type)
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Lokpal of India:
The Chairperson must be the Chief Justice of India.
Lokpal can investigate complaints against the Prime Minister.
Lokpal was constituted under a constitutional provision.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Chairperson may be the CJI, a SC judge, or an eminent person.
Statement 2 is correct: Lokpal can investigate the Prime Minister under certain conditions.
Statement 3 is incorrect: It is a statutory body, not a constitutional one.
Mains Practice Question (GS Paper 2)
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 in addressing high-level corruption in India. Suggest measures to enhance the institution’s independence and functioning.
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