Cabinet approves amendments to whistleblowers act

The union cabinet on Wednesday approved amendments to the Whistlebowers Protection Act, 2011 aimed at strengthening safeguards against disclosures which may affect the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

An official release said the amendments would address concerns relating to national security and the amendment bill will be moved during the budget session of parliament.

"This is being done with a view to incorporate necessary provisions aimed at strengthening safeguards against disclosures which may prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of the country, security of the state," it said.

The Public Interest Disclosures and Protection to Persons making the Disclosures Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August, 2010 in order to give statutory protection to whistleblowers in the country.

The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in December, 2011 and by Rajya Sabha in February last year. The bill has received the assent of the president in May last year.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday accused the government of not properly implementing the act.