Why in the news?

• The data shows a sharp reduction in number of complaints received by Lokpal and  its shows body has received since it began functioning in 2019-20 has dropped sharply from a peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to just 233 this year till September.

Lokpal

• Lokpal and Lokayukta are public institutions established in India to investigate and prosecute corruption among public officials. 
• Established by Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• Composition
  • The Lokpal will consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members. 
  • The chairperson should have been a Chief Justice of India or is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court or an eminent person who fulfills the eligibility criteria as specified. 
  • 50% are to be judicial members, provided that not less than 50% belong to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, minorities, and women.
• Term – 5 years/ 70 years of age
• The Selection Committee Consists of
  • Prime Minister (Chairperson),
  • Lok Sabha Speaker,
  • Leader of the Opposition,
  • Chief Justice of India 
  • An Eminent jurist nominated by the President.
• Conditions of Service for Lokpal and Its Members
  • The Salary allowances and other conditions of service of the chairperson and members are equivalent to those of Chief Justice of India and Judge of the Supreme Court respectively.
  • They are not eligible for reappointment and cannot hold any constitutional or governmental office.
  • They cannot contest any elections for 5 years.
• Jurisdiction of Lokpal
  • The jurisdiction of Lokpal includes the Prime Minister, Ministers, members of Parliament, Groups A, B, C, and D officers and officials of the Central Government.
  • The jurisdiction of the Lokpal included the Prime Minister except on allegations of corruption relating to international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, and space.
  • The Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs in the matter of anything said in Parliament or a vote given there.
  • Its jurisdiction also includes any person who is or has been in charge (director/ manager/ secretary) of anybody/ society set up by a central act or any other body financed/ controlled by central government and any other person involved in an act of abetting, bribe giving or bribe-taking.
  • The Lokpal Act mandates that all public officials should furnish their assets and liabilities of themselves as well as their respective dependents.
  • It has the power to superintendence over, and to give direction to CBI.
  • The Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal has been vested with the powers of a civil court.
  • Lokpal has powers of confiscation of assets, proceeds, receipts, and benefits arising or procured utilizing corruption in special circumstances.
  • Lokpal has the power to recommend the transfer or suspension of public servants connected with allegations of corruption.
  • Lokpal has the power to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during the preliminary inquiry.