(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2014 and the rules made thereunder to allow flexibility to the Lokpal search committee as reported in media;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to consult stakeholders before amending the rules;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) whether any time-frame has been fixed for this purpose and if so, the details thereof?
Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) & (b): There is no proposal under consideration of the Government to amend the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 (No. 1 of 2014). However, to address certain concerns expressed by various stakeholders, the Government is considering the question of making appropriate amendments in the Search Committee (Constitution, Terms and Conditions of appointment of members and the manner of selection of Panel of Names for appointment of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal) Rules, 2014 to allow more flexibility to the Lokpal Search Committee.
(c) & (d): Section 59 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 empowers Central Government to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act. No requirement to consult stakeholders has been provided in the Act.
(e): No time-frame has been fixed for this purpose.