Delhi Government’s Feed Back Unit (FBU)
The Delhi Government’s Feed Back Unit (FBU) was established in September 2015, with the objective of collecting relevant information and actionable feedback on the functioning of the government bodies and autonomous institutes in the Delhi government’s jurisdiction. The unit comprises intelligence assets that are responsible for conducting sting operations or trap cases. The FBU is accountable to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), which has led to concerns about its legality and transparency.
What Should I know for My UPSC Exams?
The FBU’s Role
The FBU’s mandate is to monitor the functioning of Delhi government departments and autonomous bodies and to report any malpractices or inefficiencies to the CMO. The unit’s personnel are trained to collect evidence through sting operations or trap cases. The information collected by the FBU is then presented to the Chief Minister and his advisors for review and action.
The Controversy Surrounding FBU
The establishment of the FBU has been widely criticized, with opposition parties and civil rights activists raising concerns about the unit’s legality and transparency. One of the main criticisms of the FBU is that it is an extra-judicial body that answers to only one individual, the Chief Minister. Critics have also accused the unit of engaging in snooping and trespassing activities, which they claim are illegal and unconstitutional.
The FBU’s operations
The FBU’s operations have been the subject of controversy in the past. In 2016, a video surfaced showing two FBU personnel conducting a sting operation on a government hospital in Delhi. The video showed the personnel posing as patients and accusing the hospital staff of corruption. The incident led to a public outcry, with many accusing the FBU of overstepping its mandate.
In response to the criticism, the Delhi government has defended the FBU, arguing that it is a necessary tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in the government. The government has also stated that the FBU operates within the framework of the law and that all its actions are monitored and reviewed by the CMO.