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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lokpal and Jan Lokpal?

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The Lokpal and Jan Lokpal are both bills related to the establishment of an ombudsman to investigate and address complaints of corruption in India. The Jan Lokpal Bill is a more comprehensive and stricter version of the Lokpal Bill. Key differences between the two bills include:

  1. Jurisdiction: The Jan Lokpal has jurisdiction over politicians, officials, and even judges, while the Lokpal Bill's jurisdiction is more limited.
  2. Vigilance Machinery: The Jan Lokpal proposes merging the entire vigilance machinery into the Lokpal, while the Lokpal Bill does not include such provisions.
  3. Whistle Blower Protection: The Jan Lokpal Bill includes provisions for protecting whistleblowers, while the Lokpal Bill does not have such provisions.
  4. Coverage of Government Officials: The Jan Lokpal Bill includes all government officials under its jurisdiction, while the Lokpal Bill does not include junior (below Group A) officials.
  5. Selection of Lokpal: The Lok Sabha-passed Lokpal Bill leaves the selection of the Lokpal essentially in the hands of the government, while the Jan Lokpal Bill has more stringent provisions for the selection process.
  6. Accountability: The Jan Lokpal Bill includes provisions for holding the Lokpal accountable, while the Lok Sabha-passed Lokpal Bill leaves the accountability of the Lokpal to the government.
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  • What is the Difference Between Lokpal and Jan Lokpal?
  • Comparative Table: Lokpal vs Jan Lokpal

    • Comparative Table: Lokpal vs Jan Lokpal

    The Lokpal and Jan Lokpal are both bills aimed at addressing corruption in India, but they have some key differences:

    Feature Lokpal Bill Jan Lokpal Bill
    Jurisdiction Covers Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, and Central Govt officers Covers all public servants as defined in the Prevention of Corruption Act
    Lokayukta No provision for Lokayukta in the Lokpal Bill Creates a Lokayukta at the state level, similar to the Lokpal at the central level
    Whistleblower Protection Provides protection for whistleblowers Does not mention whistleblower protection
    Punishment for False or Frivolous Complaints Clause 46 provides for imprisonment Fines on complainants, no imprisonment, Lokpal decides if a complaint is frivolous, vexatious, or false
    Selection Committee Consists of Supreme Court judges, High Court judges, Comptroller and Auditor General, Central Vigilance Commissioner, and others Selection committee not mentioned in the search results
    Removal of Lokpal or Lokpal Member Removal by order of the President No mention of removal process in the search results

    The Lokpal Bill focuses on addressing corruption at the central level, while the Jan Lokpal Bill aims to cover all public servants as defined in the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Jan Lokpal Bill also proposes the creation of a Lokayukta at the state level, similar to the Lokpal at the central level.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.