Lokpal Chief

Feb. 7, 2019

The government has sought applications for chairman and members of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, nearly five years after the Lokpal Act came into force.

About The Act

The Lokpal Act, which envisages establishment of the anti-graft body Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to look into cases of corruption against certain categories of public servants, was passed in 2013.
The Lokpal selection committee is headed by the Prime Minister and has as its members the Lok Sabha Speaker, leader of the opposition in the lower house, the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the apex court nominated by him, and an eminent jurist who could be nominated by the President or any other member.

Composition Of Lokpal

There is a provision for a chairperson and a maximum of eight members in the Lokpal. Of these, four need to be judicial members.
Not less than 50 per cent of the members of the Lokpal shall be from amongst the persons belonging to the SCs, the STs, OBCs, minorities and women.

Eligibility Criteria

Those with less than 45 years of age are not eligible to apply.
For the appointment as the chairman, a person who is or has been Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge is eligible to apply.
Besides, individuals with "impeccable integrity and outstanding ability" having special knowledge and expertise of not less than 25 years in matters related to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, and law and management are eligible to apply.

Terms Of Office

Upon selection, the chairperson and members shall hold office for a term of five years or till they attain 70 years of age.
The salary and allowances of the chairman of the Lokpal will be same as that of the Chief Justice of India, and that of members will be same as that of a judge of Supreme Court.
The chief and members of the Lokpal are not eligible for reappointments.
They will also not be eligible for any diplomatic assignment, appointment as administrator of a Union territory and for further employment to any other office of profit under the government of India.

Source : Business Standard