CHANDIGARH: India’s apex anti-corruption body, the Lokpal, cost a staggering Rs 37.82 lakh to the state exchequer on an average to hear a single complaint over the past three years, according to a Right to Information (RTI) response. The RTI, filed by Punjab-based social activist Kamal Anand, reveals that from August 2021 to July 2024, the Lokpal received 739 complaints while incurring a total expenditure of Rs 279.52 crore. This translates to an annual average spending of Rs 93.17 crore by the Lokpal.
The RTI response, provided by Rahul Kumar, Under Secretary and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) at the Lokpal of India, offers a deep dive into the operations and financials of the anti-corruption body. Despite the significant expenditure, the number of complaints, particularly against high-profile officials, remains notably low.
Of the 739 complaints received, only 27 were filed against Members of Parliament (MPs). A larger portion, comprising 125 complaints, was lodged against Central government officials across Group A, B, and other categories. Additionally, 252 complaints targeted chairpersons, members, officers, and employees of various bodies, boards, and corporations established by an Act of Parliament, which are either wholly or partially financed by the Central government or controlled by it.
Another 264 complaints were directed against officials at the state level, while 53 complaints were made against other authorities. The Lokpal also received 18 suggestions and requests during this period, highlighting a broader concern about corruption but also indicating a lack of specific actionable complaints.
The Lokpal’s track record in handling these complaints is concerning. Out of the 739 complaints, 719 were disposed of over the 36-month period. However, the majority of these—357 complaints—were dismissed after preliminary examination on the grounds of being outside of the Lokpal’s jurisdiction. Another 282 complaints were dismissed because of a lack of merit. Only 76 complaints proceeded to the stage of a preliminary inquiry report, and a mere four complaints were disposed of following an investigation report.
In terms of investigations, the Lokpal ordered inquiries in just 17 cases and preliminary inquiries in 126 cases over three years. The Lokpal has the authority to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other agencies to conduct inquiries. As of July 2024, 16 preliminary inquiries or investigations were pending with the CBI, seven with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and two with other agencies.
From 2021-22 to 2023-24, the Lokpal operated with a budget of Rs 329.17 crore. Out of this, Rs 279.52 crore was spent, indicating a significant allocation of resources in the fight against corruption. However, the return on this investment, as seen through the number of complaints effectively handled, raises questions about the efficiency and impact of the Lokpal’s operations.
Adv. Kamal Anand, the RTI applicant, expressed disappointment at the low number of complaints against politicians. He attributed this to a lack of public awareness about the Lokpal’s role and powers. “India ranks 93rd out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, with a score of 39 out of 100. I expected a larger number of complaints against politicians, but it seems that many people are unaware of the Lokpal and its functions,” Anand remarked.
The Lokpal and Lokayukta were established to eradicate corruption and hold public functionaries accountable, with a mandate to investigate even a Prime Minister’s corruption. However, the low engagement from the public and the high cost per complaint indicate that more needs to be done to make the Lokpal an effective anti-corruption body.