Cabinet gives approval to bill to protect whistleblowers

Aug 10, 2010 - Age Correspondent |

New Delhi

The government on Monday gave its nod to a draft bill that aims to protect those who raise the alarm over corruption in Central and state government offices and agencies.

The draft legislation, called “The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill, 2010”, provides for severe punishment to those revealing the identity of persons who “blow the whistle” against corruption.
“The Union Cabinet at its meeting cleared the draft bill proposed by the ministry of public grievances. The bill empowers the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to act as a civil court, which in turn can hand down harsh penalties to people revealing the identity of whistleblowers,” official sources said.
The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill, 2010, which has provisions to prevent victimisation or disciplinary action against whistleblowers, will cover Central, state and public sector employees. Once passed by Parliament, the bill will go a long way towards helping those who who make public interest disclosures and will help save innocent lives.
The Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill, 2010 also has provisions to fine and penalise those people who punish and victimise whistleblowers. The Central Vigilance Commission will be the nodal authority to handle complaints.

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