Indian activist gets U.S’ International Anti-corruption Champions Award

An Indian social activist, Anjali Bhardwaj, who works on issues of transparency and accountability has been selected for the “United State International Anti-Corruption Champions Award” along with the other 11 anti-corruption champions. These names were announced by Joe Biden administration.

Highlights

• Biden administration is of the view that, these issues can be tackled only by working in coordination with the committed partners.
• These partners could be:

1. Courageous individuals, who champion the anti-corruption efforts and
2. Countries, which are working to fulfil their commitments with respect to the international anti-corruption standards.

• Thus, this new International Anti-Corruption Champions Award was announced that recognised individuals who have worked tirelessly against transparency & corruption in order to ensure the accountability in their own countries.

About Anjali Bhardwaj

• She is a 48-year-old activist who is also the founder of ‘Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS)’.
• SNS is a citizens’ group that promote transparency and accountability in government and also encourage the active participation of citizens.
• She has also served as an active member in the “Right to Information Movement” in India.
• She is a convener of National Campaign for People’s’ Right to Information. This campaign resulted into establishment of an anti-corruption ombudsman and Whistleblowers’ Protection Act.

Other Champions

Other Champions include- Diana Salazar of Ecuador, Sophia Pretrick of Micronesia, Ardian Dvorani of Albania, Francis Ben Kaifala of Sierra Leone, Ibrahima Kalil Gueye of Guinea, Dhuha A Mohammed of Iraq, Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro of Guatemala, Mustafa Abdullah Sanalla of Libya, Bolot Temirov of Kyrgyz Republic, Victor Sotto of The Philippines and Ruslan Ryaboshapka of Ukraine.

Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014

The act comprises of the provision to receive the complaints related to corruption or wilful misuse of power or discretion against any public servant. It also provides for the mechanism to inquire or cause inquiry into such complaints. Further, this act provides provisions of safeguards for the person who makes complaints against victimization.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2021