The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution

The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) was set up in India in 2000 to examine the functioning of the Constitution and to suggest changes to improve its working. The commission submitted its report in 2002. The report made several recommendations related to probity in governance, some of which are:

Ethics Committees: The report recommended that Ethics Committees be established in Parliament and State Legislatures to look into complaints against members and to promote ethical conduct among them.

Code of Ethics: The report recommended that a Code of Ethics be formulated for all elected representatives, including Ministers, to ensure that they maintain high standards of ethical conduct.

Whistleblower Protection: The report recommended that a comprehensive law be enacted to protect whistleblowers who expose corruption and malpractices in the government.

Independent Anti-Corruption Agency: The report recommended the establishment of an independent anticorruption agency with sufficient powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

Strengthening of Investigative Agencies: The report recommended that investigative agencies like the CBI, Income Tax Department, and Enforcement Directorate be strengthened and given more autonomy to carry out their functions effectively.

Transparency and Accountability: The report stressed the need for transparency and accountability in governance and recommended the introduction of measures like Right to Information Act, Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Persons Making the Disclosures Bill, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill.

Judicial Reforms: The report recommended judicial reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in dealing with corruption cases.