ACAUT has termed as unfortunate the State government’s bid to remove the Lokayukta, who it said was seen as someone determined to cleanse the rot in the system. Reminding the government that unhindered corruption cannot continue and that it must reconcile to this new reality, ACAUT pointed out that even governor RN Ravi in a recent letter alluded to CAG reports on siphoning of funds with impunity across various departments while raising the issue of law and order.
Admitting some of this could be attributed to demands by various NPGs as stated in the High Powered Commission report, ACAUT alleged that misuse of substantial amount of development funds could be attributed solely to rampant corruption.
It also felt that the writ petition filed by the state government in Supreme Court was devoid of sound judgement and asked how an Upalokayukta could hold and exercise powers and functions of Lokayukta when the former did not possess the required qualification and criteria as per the Lokayukta Act.
It hoped that the popularly elected government would make tangible allegations against the accused, if any, based on justifiable and objective allegations, rather than personal habits and eccentricities.
Pointing out that ACAUT was successful in getting the Lokayukta Bill passed after a long-drawn battle, it however regretted that the statutory body had been rendered toothless in the face of issues raised by the governor. In order to ensure that people’s trust in the institution did not meet an untimely death, ACAUT urged the State government to appoint a full-fledged registrar for Lokayukta.
Also calling for strengthening Lokayukta police, especially investigation wing, ACAUT said that Lokayukta or directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption in most States were headed by officer equivalent to the rank of ADG or a senior IPS officer who has been in service for least 25 years.
Assuming that the CAG objections needed to be probed, ACAUT pointed out that the current staff strength was minuscule and Lokayukta Police required offices in other districts, with each establishment being headed by a DIG/SSP with a commensurate staff for investigation and support.
Mentioning that the Lokayukta did not have framed rules, ACAUT demanded that this be done by the government on a priority basis after due consultations with the Lokayukta and civil society organisations. It also said that eligible candidates with impeccable integrity without any political leaning be selected to various vacant posts without further delay.