New Delhi:
The government is all set to dilute the Whistleblowers Bill, meant to empower and protect people who want to report on corruption.
The bill, which seeks to set up a mechanism to encourage people to disclose information on corruption or willful misuse of power by public servants, including Ministers, was one of those passed by the Lok Sabha along with the Lokpal Bill last December in an extended Winter Session of Parliament. And like the anti-graft Lokpal Bill, has been stuck in the Rajya Sabha.
Now, before tabling it in the Upper House again, the government is reportedly moving a cabinet note to make official amendments to it. These amendments will ensure that the whistle cannot be blown in matters where national security or the sovereignty and integrity of India are affected.
It will also bar anyone from making proceedings of cabinet meetings public. The whistle blower also cannot disclose information which could lead to a contempt of court charge or affect the proceedings in court.
The government's move will now protect officials not to disclose documents or answers citing national security even when the whistle is blown on alleged corrupt practices.
Political parties have argued that while the Bill passed by the Lok Sabha last year protects whistleblowers from victimisation, it does not protect officials from being victimized by people using the pretext of whistleblowing.