Amendments in Whistleblowers Act under examination: Govt

Some changes in Whistleblowers Protection Act, aimed at ensuring safety of people exposing corruption, is being examined by the government, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
The Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2011 was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 27, 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," Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.

Accordingly, notices for official amendments were given to Rajya Sabha secretariat from time to time. The Bill was finally taken up for consideration and passing on February 21, he said.
"However, the official amendments which had been given notice of, were not moved during consideration and passing of the Bill and, accordingly, the Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha without any amendments (i.E. In the same form as passed by the Lok Sabha) on February 21, 2014," the Minister said.
The Bill got the President's assent on May 9.
"In view of this, the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011 may require some amendments. The matter is under examination," Singh said.