ACAUT Nagaland reiterated that there should be ‘zero tolerance’ to corruption which has been the bane of development in Nagaland despite the state receiving huge amount of funds from the Centre.
In this regard, ACAUT has drawn attention on the Lok Ayukta bill passed by the Nagaland legislative assembly on February 23,2019 in particular the four amendments. ACAUT media cell pointed out that one was the inclusion of Section 32-A which stated that “ In all case where there are difficulties experienced in the implementation of this Act, provisions in this Act and the rules there under shall be relaxed to the extent desirable by the chief minister.” According to ACAUT, this amendment has only given “overriding and sweeping powers to the chief minister of Nagaland to selectively choose the corruption related cases for exemption and investigation.”
ACAUT said the above has only weakened and defeated the very purpose for which it was created and therefore, demanded that the amendment has to be revoked.
Further, ACAUT said a year after setting up of the state Lok Ayukta, its complete formation was yet to be done. In this regard, ACAUT has demanded that the state Lok Ayukta be empowered to select the remaining Upa-Lokayukta of his choice, so that he could have his team to take on the difficult challenge of tackling corruption in Nagaland.
ACAUT maintained that as Nagaland is a small state with a close-knit society, tackling corruption can be often compromised. Therefore, it demanded that the Lok Ayukta comprise of composite police cadre from paramilitary forces, CBI and Assam Rifles to conduct cover operations and raids without being compromised. Only the implementation of the above would ensure “ a strong and impartial Lok Ayukta” added ACAUT.