Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower?

A whistleblower is a person, often an employee, who reveals information about activity within a private or public organisation that is deemed illegal or immoral.

Policy measures to safeguard the whistle-blower:

• Legal support through whistle-blower protection laws.
• Oversight and investigating body – to receive and investigate complaints of retaliatory, discriminatory or disciplinary action taken against whistle-blowers.
• Inculcation of civil service values
  • Courage  to take up the issue
  • Empathy and compassion to feel the pain of others due to corrupt activities and take some action.
  • Dedication, perseverance and fortitude to fight against injustice.  

• Lower the burden of Proof – on persons disclosing such information.
• Ethics in public administration – Probity and general ethical ecosystem will encourage public servants to call out on unethical practices.
• Inspiration from philosophers and moral thinkers like Socrates who taught to ‘Speak truth to power’.

“Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.” Whistle blowing puts one is the highest level of morality.