New Delhi: The BJP-led NDA government proposes to amend the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act to keep issues of national security out of its purview.
According to the proposal of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), a system would also be put in place to identify information that can be shared under the Act.
While the Act sets out the procedure to inquire into the disclosures and provides adequate safeguards against victimisation of the whistleblower, it also seeks to provide punishment for false or frivolous complaints.
The wrongdoing might take the form of fraud, corruption or mismanagement. The Act will also ensure punishment for false or frivolous complaints.
During the last days of UPA rule, BJP had proposed certain amendments in the Bill when it came up for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha. One was to bar whistleblowers from seeking information on national security.
The UPA government had agreed to the amendment saying it was necessary.
