Sharp drop in complaints received by Lokpal from peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Lokpal experienced a sharp decline in complaints, from a peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year until September.
• Since its establishment in 2019-20, the Lokpal has received a total of 6,955 complaints, with 90% received in the first four years.
• The Lokpal has ordered preliminary inquiries in only 289 cases and granted prosecution sanctions in just 7 cases.
• A controversial tender was floated on October 16 for the supply of seven BMW 3 series 330Li cars for its chairperson and members.

Detailed Insights:

• The Lokpal has the authority to investigate corruption allegations against individuals, including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and government officials.
• Despite receiving 6,955 complaints, the Lokpal has been criticized for dismissing most complaints on technicalities and not addressing serious corruption allegations.
• The Lokpal's transparency has been questioned, with no annual reports uploaded since 2021-22 and its prosecution wing notified only in June 2025, 12 years after the Lokpal law was enacted.
• The tender for luxury cars has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about the Lokpal, as an anti-corruption body, engaging in unnecessary extravagance and not saving public money.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Lokpal: An anti-corruption ombudsman organization in India.
• Prosecution Sanction: Permission from the government to prosecute a public servant.
• Right to Information (RTI): An act providing citizens access to government-held information.