In News:Scuttling people’s right to information
2.Discuss the role of whistleblowers in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. What are the key challenges they face in India, and how can these challenges be effectively addressed to encourage more individuals to come forward?
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance by exposing corruption, fraud, and misconduct. However, they face significant challenges that often deter individuals from coming forward
Role of Whistleblowers in Promoting Transparency and Accountability
● Exposing corruption: Whistleblowers bring to light corrupt practices within organisations, which can lead to investigations and reforms. For instance, the case of Satyendra Dubey, who exposed corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral project, highlighted significant malpractices in public works.
● Encouraging ethical practices: By reporting wrongdoing, whistleblowers promote a culture of integrity within organisations. Their actions can lead to improved compliance with laws and regulations.
● Public interest advocacy: Whistleblowers often act in the public interest, revealing information that can protect citizens from harmful practices. For example, RTI activists have uncovered misuse of funds in government welfare schemes.
Key challenges faced by whistleblowers in India
● Retaliation and threats: According to Transparency International India data, nearly 100 people have been killed for using the RTI Act, and thousands have been assaulted, threatened, and slapped with false cases.
● Inadequate legal protection: Although the Whistleblower Protection Act (2014) was enacted, it has not been fully operationalized due to the lack of necessary rules. This leaves whistleblowers vulnerable without adequate legal safeguards.
● Fear of isolation: Whistleblowers often experience social isolation and stigma, making it difficult for them to seek support from colleagues or the community.
● Anonymous reporting limitations: The current legal framework does not allow for anonymous complaints under the Whistleblower Protection Act, which can deter individuals from reporting misconduct due to fear of exposure.
● Cumbersome reporting processes: The process for reporting wrongdoing can be complex and intimidating, discouraging potential whistleblowers from coming forward.
Addressing challenges to encourage whistleblowing
● Strengthening legal frameworks: The government should expedite the formulation of rules under the Whistleblower Protection Act to provide robust protections for whistleblowers.
● Implementing anonymous reporting mechanisms: Allowing anonymous complaints could encourage more individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. The success of anonymous tip lines in organisations like the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) can serve as a model for broader adoption.
● Creating awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the importance of whistleblowing and the protections available under the law.
● Providing support systems: Establishing support networks for whistleblowers, including legal assistance and counselling services, can help mitigate fears associated with reporting wrongdoing.
● Encouraging organisational policies: Companies should be mandated to develop clear whistleblower policies that ensure protection against retaliation and promote ethical reporting practices.Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have implemented robust whistleblower policies that protect employees who report unethical practices.
By addressing these challenges and enhancing protections for whistleblowers, India can foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to report wrongdoing without fear, ultimately leading to greater transparency and accountability in governance.
PYQ
- Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower? 2022
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/scuttling-peoples-right-to-information/article68748541.ece