The Lokpal of India, the country's apex anti-corruption ombudsman body, observed its 12th Foundation Day on January 16, 2026. The occasion marks 12 years since the Lokpal came into operation following the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, with the institution formally commencing its functions on January 16, 2014.
To mark this milestone, Lokpal inaugurated a new Information Technology (IT) infrastructure including a modern data centre designed to enable paperless complaint processing. This digital upgrade aims to streamline the complaint management system, improve transparency, and ensure faster disposal of corruption-related complaints against public servants. The new system allows complainants to file, track, and receive updates on their complaints entirely through digital channels, reducing dependence on physical documentation and in-person visits.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was a landmark legislation passed in response to the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement that gripped the nation in 2011. The Act established the Lokpal at the central level and mandated states to set up Lokayuktas as similar watchdog bodies. The Lokpal has jurisdiction over senior public officials including Members of Parliament, ministers, and Group A/B/C/D central government employees.
The new IT infrastructure represents a significant step toward modernising India's anti-corruption grievance redressal ecosystem. Digital platforms reduce physical barriers for complainants from remote areas and create an auditable trail for complaint processing. Officials noted that the shift to paperless systems aligns with the broader Digital India initiative and will enhance institutional accountability.