New Delhi, Aug. 9: 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 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 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, sources said. It is expected to be introduced during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Bill, with provisions to prevent victimisation or disciplinary action against whistleblowers, will cover Central, state and public sector staffers.