Who proposed to set up Lokpal at the central level for the first time in India?

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Points to Remember:

  • The Lokpal institution’s genesis in India.
  • Key individuals and their roles in advocating for Lokpal.
  • The historical context surrounding the proposal.

Introduction:

The Lokpal, an anti-corruption ombudsman, is a crucial institution aimed at combating corruption within the Indian government. The idea of establishing a Lokpal at the central level has a long history, marked by various proposals and advocacy efforts. While the precise “first” proposal is difficult to definitively pinpoint due to evolving discussions and informal suggestions, this response will focus on the prominent individuals and movements that significantly advanced the concept of a central Lokpal in India. The establishment of a Lokpal has been a subject of intense debate and advocacy, reflecting the ongoing struggle against corruption in India.

Body:

Early Advocacy and the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): While specific individuals proposing a Lokpal in the early years are hard to definitively identify, the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), chaired by Morarji Desai in 1966, is widely credited with laying the groundwork for the concept. The ARC’s report recommended the establishment of an independent body to investigate complaints against public servants. While not explicitly termed “Lokpal,” this recommendation formed the basis for future proposals and discussions. This report highlighted the need for a mechanism to address corruption and enhance accountability within the government.

The Role of Social Activists and Political Figures: The movement for a Lokpal gained significant momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, fueled by increasing public awareness of corruption. Several prominent social activists and political figures played crucial roles in advocating for the establishment of the institution. While pinpointing the very first proposal is difficult, Anna Hazare’s activism in the early 2010s brought the issue to the forefront of national discourse, significantly influencing public opinion and pressuring the government to act. His movement, along with the support of other activists and civil society organizations, played a pivotal role in pushing for the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: The Act, passed in 2013, finally established the Lokpal at the central level. While many individuals and organizations contributed to its passage, attributing the “first” proposal to a single person is inaccurate. The Act itself is the culmination of decades of advocacy and legislative efforts.

Conclusion:

While definitively identifying the individual who first proposed a central Lokpal in India is challenging due to the gradual evolution of the concept, the Administrative Reforms Commission’s 1966 report under Morarji Desai provided a foundational framework. Subsequent advocacy by social activists, notably Anna Hazare, significantly propelled the movement towards the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The Act represents a significant step towards strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms in India, though its effectiveness remains a subject of ongoing debate and requires continuous improvement. Moving forward, a focus on strengthening the Lokpal’s independence, enhancing its investigative powers, and ensuring timely resolution of complaints is crucial for its success in fostering transparency and accountability within the government, upholding constitutional values of justice and good governance. A holistic approach involving public awareness, robust institutional mechanisms, and a commitment to ethical conduct is essential for achieving a truly corruption-free India.

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