Relevance for UPSC: GS II (Polity & Governance), GS IV (Ethics); Source: The Hindu, Indian Express

Context

The Lokpal of India cancelled a tender to procure seven BMW luxury cars (around ₹5 crore) for official use after public and political criticism. The decision has reopened debate on ethical conduct and institutional credibility of oversight bodies.

What is Lokpal?

  • Statutory ombudsman under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
  • Inquires into corruption allegations against the Prime Minister (with safeguards), Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior civil servants
  • Supervises corruption cases referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation

Why the Issue Matters

  • Ethics vs legality: The tender may be procedurally valid, but conflicted with expectations of austerity and moral restraint
  • Institutional trust: Anti-corruption bodies must exemplify probity to remain credible
  • Democratic accountability: Public opinion and civil society pressure influenced reversal
UPSC Value Box

  • Core principle: Public institutions must follow higher ethical standards
  • Governance concept: Probity in public life
  • Linked values: Transparency, restraint, accountability
  • Broader signal: Symbolic decisions shape institutional legitimacy

Conclusion

The episode shows that ethical governance goes beyond rule compliance. For integrity institutions like Lokpal, public trust is sustained as much by conduct as by statutory powers.

Q. The Lokpal of India was established to:
A. Act as a vigilance wing of the executive
B. Inquire into corruption complaints against public functionaries
C. Replace the Central Bureau of Investigation
D. Regulate public procurement

Correct Answer: B

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