Whistleblowers can get security from government

"The Government of India vide Resolution dated 21.04.2004 on Public Interest Disclosure & Protection of Informers had authorized the Central Vigilance Commission as the Designated Agency to receive written complaints for disclosure on any allegation of corruption or misuse of office and recommend appropriate action," Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the PMO   Jitendra Singh  gave this information in the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question on Wednesday.

 

 He said, "The Government has now vide amendment Resolution dated 14.08.2013 also authorized the Chief Vigilance Officers of the Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government as the Designated Authority to receive written complaint or disclosure on any allegation of corruption or misuse of office in respect of any employee of that Ministry/ Department or any organization falling under their jurisdiction. If the Designated Authority in the Ministries/ Departments, either on the application of the complainant, or on the basis of the information gathered, is of the opinion that the complainant needs protection, the Designated Authority shall take up the matter with the Central Vigilance Commission, for issuing appropriate directions to the authorities concerned."

 

"The Commission, after receipt of such reference from the Designated Authority, takes up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Nodal Agency, to undertake the responsibility of providing security cover to the genuine Whistle Blowers," Singh said.

 

He said: "The Home Ministry, in turn, asks individual State Governments to examine the threat and provide security cover, if needed. On the advice of Ministry of Home Affairs, State Governments have appointed Nodal officers in respective states and detail about Nodal officers nominated by various State Governments has been communicated to the Commission for referring the matters to them."