Ombudsman
As we see for transparency of government actions in various disciplines, an instrument or institution for check and balance is necessary as a watchdog. I offer my humble opinion here as follows:
We have by now, as far as I find, one such watchdog, called Ombudsman, to watch and report on Income Tax only under NBR, in place already. In respect of other disciplines, however, I do not know whether there are many or anymore. If so, it is okay then, if not, the necessity of creating or manning the posts of Ombudsman in every field by passing a bill, is felt. Whereas these are already in existence, their presence need to be brought to prominence by making them fully operational.
Introduction of the office of the Ombudsman in fact was included in the 2001-2006 general election manifestoes by the political parties. In the last election manifestoes of the major political parties, the inclusion of the same however was not there perhaps.
Therefore it is our expectation that the present government will look into this matter seriously, so that the functions of offices of the Ombudsmen in all possible areas of the ministries and/or divisions are fully made operational without any loss of time. We have seen the transparent ballot boxes in the last election conducted by the EC under the CTG.
Now, we want to see our government functioning with the accountability having its reflection clearly visible on the face of Ombudsman.
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