Context:
• The Lokpal of India, the apex anti-corruption body, has witnessed a significant decline in the number of complaints received — from 2,469 in 2022–23 to just 233 in 2025–26 (till September).
• The drop has raised concerns over transparency, functional independence, and public confidence in the institution.
Key Highlights:
- Complaint Trends & Data:
- Total complaints since inception (2019–20): 6,955.
- Around 90% were received during the first four years of its functioning.
- Only 289 preliminary inquiries ordered and 7 cases sanctioned for prosecution so far.
- Transparency & Accountability Concerns:
- No annual reports uploaded since 2021–22, despite being a statutory requirement under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
- Prosecution wing notified only in June 2025, nearly 12 years after the law came into force.
- Questions raised about procedural dismissals and lack of visible outcomes.
- Controversy over Expenditure:
- A tender floated on October 16, 2025, for seven BMW 330Li cars for Lokpal chairperson and members.
- Critics argue this reflects extravagance and poor optics for an anti-corruption institution meant to ensure fiscal prudence.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Issues Identified:
- Declining public engagement and loss of faith in grievance redress mechanisms.
- Delay in operationalization of essential arms like the prosecution wing.
- Transparency deficit due to non-publication of annual reports.
- Institutional credibility affected by perceived extravagance and lack of outcomes.
- Ethical Concerns:
- Misalignment between anti-corruption mandate and expenditure behaviour.
- Breach of public trust and poor adherence to ethical governance norms.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen institutional autonomy and internal accountability mechanisms.
- Ensure annual public reporting and digital transparency in case handling.
- Performance audit of Lokpal functioning by an independent parliamentary committee.
- Promote citizen awareness campaigns to revive confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
Possible Mains Question:
“Discuss the challenges faced by the Lokpal of India in fulfilling its anti-corruption mandate. Suggest reforms to strengthen its credibility and effectiveness.”