Impact of Lokpal Bill
What are Lokpal and Lokayukta? Why are Lokpal and Lokayukta needed? How will Lokpal and Lokayukta be different from the prevalent system of fighting corruption? We propose that there should be established a ‘Lokpal’ at the central level and ‘Lakayukta’ at the state level, both of which will address the inadequacies of the current anti-‐corruption systems and have the power and independence to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. To be established through the enactment of central and state-‐level laws, Lokpal and Lokayukta will work on behalf of the citizens of India to protect their interests from abuse of public office at the level of the central and state governments, respectively. These ‘people’s commissions’ will be independent of the government in a manner that politicians and bureaucrats are not able to interfere in their functioning. They will be accountable to the citizens through transparency in their selection and functioning. Lokpal and Lokayukta will also be made accountable to the citizens by giving the latter the right to file complaints against the former at the Supreme Court and the High Court, respectively. Lokpal and Lokayukta will protect citizens who show the courage