OMBUDSMAN : LOK PAL, LOK AYUKTA

OMBUDSMAN

ENGLISH VERSION

The word Ombudsman is borrowed from the Swedish words 'Umbuds man', meaning 'Representative'. In general ombudsman refers to a state official appointed to provide a check on Government activity in the interests of the citizen and to oversee the investigation of complaints of improper Government activity against the citizen. It examines complaints from the outside of the offending state institution, thus avoiding the conflicts of interest inherent in self policing. However, the Ombudsman system relies on the selection of appropriate personnel and the degree of cooperation offered by the apparatus of administration.

The institution of ombudsman is originated in the Scandinavian countries, while Sweden introduced for the first time in its present form in 1809. Followed by Finland in 1919, Denmark in 1953, Norway in 1962 and England in 1967 respectively. The main thrust of this institution is 'to give relief when the administrative actions is contrary to the law, unjust, oppressive, improper, discriminatory, mistake of law or fact, wrong and unreasonable action which is not supported by the Law'. Hence, this institution is given very wide jurisdiction in connection with maladministration in most countries. Sometime, ombudsman is known as 'an institution to register a small man's battle against red-tape and injustice administration'.

OMBUDSMAN

MIZO VERSION 

Ombudsman tih hi Swedish tawng 'Umbuds man' tih atanga lak a ni a, a awmzia chu 'Palai' (Representative) tihna a ni. Tlangpui thu-ah chuan ombudsman chu mipui te tana sorkar hmalakna endiktu leh, mipui chungah sorkar hnathawktu ten diklo taka thil an tihna thubuai chhuizawmtu a ruat sorkar official a ni. Sorkar pawl diklo taka che chhuakte chu amahin a inendik mai lova, pawnlam atanga thubuai chhui zawmin thuneihna inmil lohna tur a veng a ni. Mahse, ombudsman kalphung hi a thawktu tur mi hmelhmang thlan thiam leh sorkar hnathawktu department ten thawhpui duh danah a innghat hle a ni.

Ombudsman dinhmun hi Scandinavian ram ho atanga lo in tan a ni a, Sweden ram chu an hman dan pangngai angin kum 1809 khan a tir berah an hmang chhuak a. Chu mi hnuah Finland-in kum 1919-ah, Denmark-in kum 1953-ah, Norway-in kum 1962-ah leh England-in kum 1967-ah te an hmang ve bawk a ni. He pawl thiltum ber chu 'sorkar thiltih chu dan kalh a nihin, diklo, hnehchhiahna, thliarhranna, dan leh thil takah sualna awm, leh dan pawmpui loh thiltih diklo leh awmze neilo a nihin chhawmdawlna/puibawm/tawiawm/thawhpui na pek' hi a ni. Chuvangin, he pawl hi ram tam takah sorkar hnathawk dan bawlhhlawh leh diklo do let turin thuneihna zau tak pek a ni. A chang chuan ombudsman hi 'mipui vantlang retheite leh thuneitute inkara lehkha pawimawh tihbuaina leh sorkar diklohna dona pawl' ti pawhin an sawi thin a ni.

LOK PAL

LOKPAL OF INDIA

The Lokpal is an anti-corruption institution established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. It investigates allegations of corruption against specified public functionaries at the Union level.

1. History of Lokpal

The idea of a Lokpal was inspired by the concept of an Ombudsman in Scandinavian countries.

a) In India, the idea was first proposed in 1966 by the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC).

b) The first Lokpal Bill was introduced in Parliament in 1968.

c) Several Lokpal Bills were introduced over the following decades, but none became law.

d) The demand for a strong Lokpal became prominent during the anti-corruption movement of 2011.

e) The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013 was passed by Parliament in December 2013.

It received Presidential assent on 1 January 2014.

f) The Act came into force on 16 January 2014.

g) Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose became the first Lokpal Chairperson in 2019.

2. Composition

According to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the Lokpal consists of:

1. One Chairperson

2. Not more than 8 Members

Members

1. 50% of the members must be Judicial Members.

2. At least 50% of the Members must be from among:

a) SC

b) ST

c) OBC

d) Minorities

e) Women

Thus, the Lokpal can have a maximum of 9 persons: 1 Chairperson + 8 Members.

3. Tenure

The Chairperson and Members hold office for 5 years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

They are not eligible for reappointment.

4. Appointment

The President of India appoints the Chairperson and Members of the Lokpal on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

Selection Committee consists of:

1. Prime Minister – Chairperson

2. Speaker of the Lok Sabha

3. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha

4. Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the CJI

5. One eminent jurist, nominated by the President on the recommendation of the other members of the Selection Committee.

Search Committee

A Search Committee assists the Selection Committee by preparing a panel of persons for consideration for appointment.

5. Powers and Functions of Lokpal

A. Power to inquire into corruption

The Lokpal can inquire into allegations of corruption against specified public functionaries, including:

1. Prime Minister, subject to statutory safeguards and exceptions

2. Union Ministers

3. Members of Parliament

4. Central Government officials

5. Certain officials of bodies, boards, corporations and societies established or financed by the Central Government.

B. Preliminary inquiry

The Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry into a corruption complaint.

C. Investigation

It can direct an investigation by the CBI or another investigating agency.

D. Supervisory powers

The Lokpal has superintendence over the CBI in matters referred to it by the Lokpal.

E. Search and seizure

During investigations, appropriate investigating agencies can exercise powers relating to search and seizure, subject to law.

F. Prosecution

The Lokpal can initiate or direct prosecution proceedings where the law permits.

G. Power to recommend disciplinary action

The Lokpal can recommend appropriate disciplinary action against public servants in cases covered by the Act.

H. Provisional attachment

In appropriate cases involving corruption, the Lokpal can seek provisional attachment and confiscation of property connected with corruption, subject to the procedure prescribed by law.

I. Jurisdiction over certain private organisations

The Lokpal can also have jurisdiction over certain NGOs and organisations receiving substantial government funding or foreign contributions, as specified by the Act.

6. Removal of Chairperson or Member

The President of India can remove the Chairperson or a Member of the Lokpal.

Removal on grounds of misbehaviour

The President may remove them after the Supreme Court, on a reference made by the President, conducts an inquiry and reports that the person should be removed on the ground of misbehaviour.

Direct removal by President

The President may also remove a Chairperson or Member if, for example, the person:

1. Is declared an insolvent;

2. Engages in paid employment outside official duties;

3. Is convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude;

4. Is medically or mentally incapable of continuing in office;

5. Has financial or other interests that are likely to adversely affect their functions.

LOKAYUKTA

The Lokayukta is an anti-corruption institution at the State level in India. It investigates allegations of corruption and maladministration against specified public functionaries of the State government.

Unlike the Lokpal, which operates at the Union level, the Lokayukta operates at the State level.

1. History

The idea of the Lokayukta was based on the concept of the Ombudsman.

1. The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended the establishment of:

a). Lokpal at the Centre

b). Lokayukta in the States

2. Maharashtra was the first State to establish the Lokayukta in 1971.

3. Later, other States established Lokayuktas through their respective State laws.

4. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 required every State to establish a Lokayukta institution, although the exact structure and powers are determined by State legislation.

2. Composition

There is no uniform composition throughout India.

The composition differs from State to State and is determined by the respective State Lokayukta Act.

Generally, a Lokayukta may consist of:

A. Lokayukta – the head

B. Upa-Lokayukta(s) – assisting the Lokayukta

Some States have a single Lokayukta, while others have Lokayukta and one or more Upa-Lokayuktas.

3. Appointment

The appointment procedure varies from State to State.

Generally, the Governor of the State appoints the Lokayukta, following the procedure prescribed by the relevant State law.

In many States, the appointment involves consultation with important constitutional authorities such as:

a) Chief Minister

b) Chief Justice of the High Court

c) Leader of Opposition

Important: The exact selection committee is not identical in every State.

4. Tenure

The tenure of the Lokayukta is not uniform across all States.

It is determined by the respective State Lokayukta legislation.

Therefore, for examination purposes, remember:

Lokayukta's tenure varies from State to State.

5. Powers and Functions

A. Investigation of corruption

The Lokayukta investigates complaints relating to corruption and abuse of office by public functionaries covered under State law.

B. Investigation of maladministration

In some States, the Lokayukta can investigate cases of maladministration, such as:

1. Unreasonable delay

2. Abuse of authority

3. Improper exercise of power

4. Unfair administrative action

C. Complaints against public officials

Depending on State law, complaints may be made against:

i) Chief Minister

ii) Ministers

iii) MLAs

iv) Government officers

v) Local government officials

vi) Other specified public servants

D. Inquiry

The Lokayukta can conduct an inquiry into complaints and collect relevant information and evidence according to the powers provided by State law.

E. Recommendations

The Lokayukta generally submits its findings and recommendations to the competent authority.

The precise binding nature of its recommendations depends on the particular State law.

F. Prevention of corruption

The institution also contributes to improving transparency, accountability and integrity in public administration.

6. Removal

The procedure for removal varies from State to State.

In several States, removal involves the Governor and a procedure involving the High Court/Supreme Court or State Legislature, depending on the applicable law.

Therefore, unlike the Lokpal, there is no single uniform removal procedure for all Lokayuktas.

Lokpal vs Lokayukta

Basis.                 Lokpal.                   Lokayukta

Level.           Central/Union.           State

Law.        Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.   State-specific laws

Jurisdiction

Central public functionaries covered by the Act

State public functionaries covered by State law

Appointment

President

Generally Governor

Composition

1 Chairperson + up to 8 Members

Varies by State

Tenure

5 years or age 70, whichever earlier

Varies by State

Powers

Defined mainly by 2013 Act

Vary according to State law

MIZO VERSION

LOKPAL AND LOKAYUKTA

India sorkâr chuan eiruk dona kawngah a theihtawp a chhuah a, dân tha tak tak pawh eng emaw zat siam a ni a, mahse eiru ve thoin eirukna a do chuan eirukna tho a hrinchhuah leh thin avângin sorkâr chauh ni lo mipuite pawhin eirukna an do ve theihna tûrin 'Lokpal' leh 'Lokayukta' siam chu Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) chuan kum 1970-ah daih tawh khân a lo rawt tawh a ni.

ARC rawtna ang chuan Lokpal hian Centre (Central) leh State-a Ministers leh Secretaries-te eirukna kaihhnawih a buaipui ang a, Lokayukta chuan sorkâr hnathawk dang zawng zawngte eirukna kaihhnawih a huam thung dâwn a ni. Lokpal leh Lokayukta hi eirukna chhui tûr an nih angin ARC chuan politics thlichhia lakah dahhran a pawimawh a tih bakah hna an thawh dânah anmahni duhdân anga a tha bera an thawh theih nan pawn lam ațanga tumah an inrawlh theih loh nan dân hmanga vênhimna tha tak pek pawimawh a ti em em bawk a ni.

India sorkâr chuan Lokpal leh Lokayukta dinna tûra Administrative Reforms Commission rawtna hi tihhlawhtlin tumin vawi eng emaw zat Parliament-ah dân siam rawtna a pulut tawh a, chûngte chu:

1. Kum 1968 khân Indira Gandhi kaihhruai Congress sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut hmasa ber a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

2. Kum 1971 khân Indira Gandhi kaihhruai Congress sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

3. Kum 1977 khân Morarji Desai kaihhruai Janata sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

4. Kum 1985 khân Rajiv Gandhi kaihhruai Congress sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

5. Kum 1989 khân V.P. Singh-a kaihhruai United Front sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse sorkâr vêkin a hnukdawk leh a ni.

6. Kum 1996 khân Deve Gowda kaihhruai United Front kaihhruai tangrual sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

7. Kum 1998 khân A.B. Vajpayee kaihhruai BJP kaihhruai tangrual sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

8. Kum 2001 khân A.B. Vajpayee kaihhruai NDA sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse pass a nih hmain Lok Sabha thiah a ngaih avângin pass a ni lo.

9. Kum 2011 August thla khân Manmohan Singh-a kaihhruai UPA sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, mahse sorkâr vêkin a hnûkdâwk leh a ni.

10. Kum 2011 December thla khân Manmohan Singh-a kaihhruai UPA sorkâr chuan Parliament-ah a pulut leh a, hemi tum hi chuan pass a ni ve ta nge nge a, Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 tih a ni.

He dânin a ken tel thil hrang hrang te chu:

1. Central sorkâr tân Lokpal leh State sorkâr tân Lokayukta din tûr a ni.

2. Lokpal chuan Prime Minister, Ministers dang zawng zawng, Members of Parliament zawng zawng, Group A, B, C leh D officer-te a chhui thei ang.

3. Lokayukta chu State zawng zawngin he bill pass a nih ațanga nỉ 365 chhûng ngeiin an State Legislature theuhah an duhdân angin a dinna tûr an pass ve leh thei ang.

4. Lokpal hian Chairperson pakhat leh member dang 8 a tam berah a nei thei ang a, 8 zînga 4 tal chu dân hre mi an ni tûr a ni. Tin, 8 zînga 4 chu SC, ST, OBC, Minorities emaw Hmeichhia an ni bawk tûr a ni.

5. Lokpal Chairperson leh member-te chu Selection Committee-in an thlang tûr a ni a, Selection Committee-ah chuan Prime Minisrer, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition-in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India emaw CJI ruat Judge dang leh President ruat dân lam thiam chungchuang bik a hmasa ber pali te rawtna anga a ruat te an tel tûr a ni.

6. Selection Committee hi Search Committee-in an puibawm tûr a ni a, Search Committee-a member awm zawng zawng zînga a chanve tal chu SC, ST, OBC, Minorities emaw Hmeichhia an ni tûr a ni.

7. Lok Ayukta chuan thubuai chhuizui ngai te chu a duh chuan Central Vigilance Commission-ah a theh lût thei ang a, CVC hian a chhuichianna report a theh lût leh tûr a ni.

8. Lokpal hian hnuchhui pawl hrang hrang CBI, Police, IB leh a dangte chungah thuneihna a nei ang.

9. Lokayukta-in hnuchhui tûra a tih te chuan thla thum chhûngin Preliminary Enquiry an nei tûr a ni a, thla thum dang atân pawhsei theih a ni. Investigation chu Preliminary Enquiry neih zawhah thla ruk chhûnga neih tûr a ni a, thla ruk chhûng atân pawhsei theih a ni bawk. Thubuai ngaihtuah (trial) chu Investigation neih zawh hnuah kum khat chhûnga neih tûr a ni a, kum khat dang atân pawhsei theih a ni. Heng thubuai ngaihtuah hi Special Court kutah dah a ni.

10. Hremna te chu Prevention of Corruption Act tlawhchhanin a na berah kum sarih ațanga kum sawm thleng lung in tântir a ni a, a na lo berah section 7, 8, 9 leh 12 hnuaiah chuan kum thum thleng lung in tân niin section 15 hnuaiah chuan kum 2 thleng lung in tân a ni thung.

11. Sorkâr school-te pawh Lokpal thuneihna hian a huam vek ang.

12. Lokpal hi CBI nen inhnaih taka hna thawkho tûr an nih avângin Lokpal and Lokayukta Act hian CBI tihchakna tûr dân eng emaw zat a siam thar bawk a, chûngte chu:

a. Directorate of Prosecution chu Director of Prose-cution enkawlna hnuaia awm tûrin Director of CBI hnuaiah siamthar tûr a ni.

b. Director of Prosecution chu Central Vigilance Com-missioner rawtna anga ruat tûr a ni.

c. Lokpal-in CBI hnena thubuai a theh luhte chu a buaipui tûrin CBI chuan Advocate hranpa a nei tûr a ni.

d. CBI hnenah Lokpal-in thubuai a thehluh te chhui zui nan sum leh pai an mamawh khawp pek tûr.

He dân hian Lokayukta chu State zawng zawngten an duhdân anga din a phalsak avângin state hrang hrang neih dân a inang lo a, state zînga Lokayukta din hmasa ber chu Maharashtra niin kum 1971-ah daih tawh khân an lo din tawh a ni.

Mizoramah chuan kum 2014 khân The Mizoram Lokayukta Act chu Legislative Assembly-in a lo pass tawh a, mahse kum 2020 ațangin a nih dân ang tûrin hna an thawk tan thei chauh a ni.

COMPOSITION 

Mizoram Lokayukta hian Chairman bakah member dang pahnih a nei thei a, an zavai hian Governor of Mizoramin Selection Committee rawtna angin a ruat tûr an ni a, kum 5 chhûng kum 70 an tlin hma an hna an chelh thei ang. Anni bakah hian Secretary pakhat, Secretary to Government of Mizoram rank thleng tawh leh Director of Inquiry and Prosecution pakhat, Additional Secretary to Government of Mizoram rank thleng tawh leh officer dang leh staff a țûl dân angin a nei thei bawk a ni.

Mizoram Lokayukta chairman hmasa ber chu Lalsawta IAS (Rtd) a ni.

                              SOURCES

1. chatgpt 'Lokpal and Lokayukta'

2. Zolitics | 'Indian Polity and Governance' by Lalduhthlana in 2021