The Lokpal of India celebrated its inaugural Foundation Day on January 16, 2026, the date on which the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, came into effect and established the apex anti-corruption watchdog in India. The observance held at the Lokpal office in New Delhi reaffirmed its determination to be transparent, accountable, and clean in governance, with the chairperson and the members concerned looking back on how it has been conducted in addressing complaints involving public functionaries. Other achievements of the event were related to the improvement of digitalised mechanisms of handling complaints and the increase of citizen participation in combating corruption, which reinforced the changing role of the institution within the Indian system of governance.
About Lokpal and Lokayukta: India’s Anti-Corruption Authorities
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Statutory Lokpal and Lokayukta are anti-corruption ombudsman institutions set up by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which became effective on 16 January 2014.
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Lokpal operates on the national level to investigate corruption cases involving central public functionaries.
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It may enquire about the grievances brought against the prime minister, union ministers, MPs and the officials in the central government.
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The state level is Lokayukta, which investigates corruption allegations of state officials and politicians.
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The two institutions are striving to increase transparency, accountability, and trust of the people.
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The previous administrative reforms suggested them, and they were codified by the parliament.
Important Previous Year Questions Based on Lokpal and Lokayukats
| Year / Exam | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims 2025 | Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. Lokpal’s jurisdiction does not apply to Indian public servants posted outside India; II. Chairperson or Member shall not be less than 45 years of age; III. Lokpal cannot inquire into corruption against a sitting Prime Minister. Which are correct? |
Only Statement II is correct. The Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013, applies to public servants abroad, and Lokpal can enquire into PM corruption except in certain sensitive cases. |
| UPPSC Prelims 2024 | According to the Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013, Lokpal is appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee with PM as chairperson and including CJI/Supreme Court Judge nominee, the Speaker, and Leader of Opposition. Which is correct? | The President appoints Lokpal based on a Selection Committee recommendation, including the PM (chair), Speaker, CJI/Supreme Court nominee, and Leader of Opposition. |
| SSC MTS 2024 | The institution, like Lokpal or Lokayukta (Ombudsman), was first created in which country? | Sweden |
| UPSC CSE 2013 (GS Paper 2) | “A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.” Discuss. | The Lokpal Act combats corruption but cannot address all forms of public immorality beyond corruption alone. |
Conclusion (Lokpal of India 1st Foundation Day 2026)
The Lokpal of India Foundation Day celebrates the first day in the history of the nation with the determination to have transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption in the governance of this nation. It supports the role of the institution in enquiring into complaints on the part of the public officials, enhancing ethical administration, and ensuring trust in the populace, and it stresses the constant reforms and involvement of the citizens in the Indian battle against corruption.
