Which was the First Country to Introduce the Institution of Ombudsman of Lokpal?

The Lokpal is a significant anti-corruption authority in India, acting as a watchdog for public interest. This body, inspired by the concept of an ombudsman, aims to investigate allegations of corruption against various public officials. This article delves into the Lokpal’s history, structure, and its vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

Who is the Lokpal?

Lokpal, derived from the Sanskrit term meaning “defender of people,” serves as an ombudsman in India. It is responsible for inquiring into allegations of corruption involving public functionaries. The Lokpal has jurisdiction over the central government, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and various government officials.

First Country to Introduce the Institution of Ombudsman or Lokpal

Sweden was the pioneer in establishing the ombudsman institution in 1809. This system was designed to address grievances against public authorities, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. The term “ombudsman” is derived from Swedish, meaning “representative” or “agent.” The concept spread to various countries, adapting to their unique governance structures.

Introduction of Lokpal in India

The idea of a Lokpal in India was inspired by the ombudsman system prevalent in Scandinavian countries. The Lokpal aims to combat corruption and promote integrity among public officials. It functions as an independent authority to investigate allegations of corruption against government personnel.

History of Lokpal in India

The term “Lokpal” was coined by Dr. L.M. Singhvi in 1963. The idea of establishing a constitutional ombudsman was first proposed in Parliament in the early 1960s. The initial Jan Lokpal Bill was presented in 1968 but faced several hurdles and was not enacted. Over the years, numerous attempts were made to pass the Lokpal Bill, but it was only after the Jan Lokpal movement, led by Anna Hazare in 2010, that significant momentum was achieved. Finally, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was enacted on December 18, 2013, and received Presidential assent on January 1, 2014.

Structure of Lokpal

The Lokpal consists of one Chairperson and a maximum of eight other members. Among these members, four are judicial members who have served as judges of the Supreme Court or Chief Justices of High Courts. The remaining four are non-judicial members with extensive experience in areas related to anti-corruption and public administration. The Lokpal aims to ensure representation from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, and women.

Some Key Details Related to Lokpal of India

• Current Chairperson of Lokpal: Pinaki Chandra Ghose
• Lokpal Bill Asserted by Pranab Mukherjee
• Lokpal Bill came into force on: 16^th January 2014
• Person who struggled for a Lokpal: Anna Hazare