New Delhi: Over 300 complaints by whistleblowers alleging corruption in various government departments were probed during the last three years, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
A total of 311 complaints received under the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI) Resolution, also known as whistleblowers resolution, during 2011 and 2013 were sent for investigation and report, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.
The term 'whistleblower' is used to refer people who expose corruption cases.
Of these, 142 complaints were closed and action was taken in other cases, he said.
As many as 30 complaints of alleged corruption in various government departments received this year so far have been sent for investigation and report, Singh said.
"Recently, the government has also authorised the Chief Vigilance Officers of the ministries or departments of the central government as the designated authority to receive such (PIDPI) complaints," the Minister said.
Replying to a question raised during zero hour in Lok Sabha today, Singh said over 3,200 complaints of alleged corruption in various government departments were received during the last three years.
Of these, 343 complaints were processed. Out of which, nothing substantial was found in 144 complaints and hence files relating to them were closed. In 36 cases, further prosecution process has begun, he said.
President Pranab Mukherjee had in May this year gave assent to the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011, which provides a mechanism for protecting the identity of whistleblowers -- a term given to people who expose corruption.
The identity of complainant is kept secret under the PIDPI and Whistleblowers Protection Act.
However, there were three cases in the last three years in which complainants alleged that their identities were disclosed and they were harassed. These complaints were being looked into by the government.
