India CSR News Network
NEW DELHI: The Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011 was passed by the Lok Sabha on the 27th of December, 2011 and was transmitted to the Rajya Sabha. Subsequently, it was noticed that some of the provisions in the Bill needed a relook with a view to strengthening the safeguards against disclosures which may prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of the country, security of the State, etc. Accordingly, notices for certain official amendments were given to Rajya Sabha Secretariat from time to time.
The Bill was finally taken up for consideration and passing on 21st February, 2014. However, as the Bill was taken up on the last day of the last Session of the 15th Lok Sabha, the official amendments which had been given notice of, were not moved during consideration and passing of the Bill on the said date.The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha without any amendments (i.e., in the same form as passed by the Lok Sabha) on 21st February, 2014. The Bill has received the assent of the President on 9th May, 2014 and has become the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011 (No. 17 of 2014)
In view of this, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011 requires some amendments (aimed at safeguarding against disclosures affecting sovereignty and integrity of India, Security of the State, etc), before it is brought into force. A draft Note for the Cabinet has been referred to the Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department) with a request to provide a draft of the amendment Bill in this regard.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu in the Rajya Sabha.
PIB
