JAN LOKPAL

How will Lokpal provide relief to a common man against bribery?

Today, a common man has to pay bribe to get any work done in any government department like making ration card or passport or getting income tax refund or old age pension etc. Jan Lokpal and Jan Lokayukta will provide relief to a common man against such day to day corruption. 

Ø  Each government department will have to make a Citizen’s Charter telling who does what job and in how much time. For instance, the charter will have to mention which officer will make ration card and in what time, which officer will make a passport and in how much time etc.

Ø  If Charter is not followed, then people can complain to the Head of that department who will be designated as the Public Grievance Officer (PGO)

Ø  PGO will redress the complaint within 30 days maximum

Ø  If PGO doesn’t satisfy the complainant, then a complaint can be made to the vigilance officer of Jan Lokpal and Jan Lokayukta. Lokpal  will have a vigilance officer in each district and Lokayukta will have it in each block.

Ø  When a complaint of violation of citizens charter reaches a Vigilance Officer, it will be deemed to have corruption angle. 

Ø  The Vigilance Officer will have to:- 

o              Solve the grievance in 30 days

o             Impose penalty on the guilty officers which will be given to the Complainant as compensation

o              Start investigations of corruption against guilty officers. 

Ø  If a citizen is not satisfied with the action taken by Vigilance officer, he could appeal to the Chief Vigilance officer in Lokpal or Lokayukta.

Ø  The officers of any department against whom financial and departmental penalties have been imposed may appeal against it in High Court.

Ø  We believe that as soon as a few penalties get imposed upon the Head of any Department, he will put adequate systems in place and ensure that no grievances take place in future.