• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 27, 2016 by the Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh.

• The Bill amends the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 in relation to declaration of assets and liabilities by public servants.  The provisions of the Bill would apply retrospectively, from the date of the coming into force of the 2013 Act.

• The Lokpal Act requires a public servant to declare his assets and liabilities, and that of his spouse and dependent children.  Such declarations must be made to the competent authority within 30 days of entering office.  Further, the public servant must file an annual return of such assets and liabilities by July 31st of every year.  The Lokpal Act also mandates statements of such declarations be published on the website of the relevant Ministry by August 31 of that year.

• The Bill replaces these provisions to state that a public servant will be required to declare his assets and liabilities.  However, the form and manner of making such a declaration will be prescribed by the central government.

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