By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Cabinet, as expected, has approved the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 paving the way for its introduction during the ongoing winter session of the Assembly on Friday.
Talking to media persons after a two-hour-long Cabinet meeting here on Thursday, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said, “The new Bill if passed by the House would replace the existing Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2002.”
It may be mentioned that following pressure from several anti-graft organizations, the Government decided to table the Bill in the House.
“This Bill is in conformity with our commitment of coming up with a strong Lokayukta Act to address the core issue of corruption,” Dr Sangma said.
The radical aspect of the proposed Bill is that Chief Minister will also come under its purview.
Reacting to a query on the appointment of the Lokayukta, the Chief Minister said either a retired or a sitting judge could be appointed as the Lokayukta.
When asked about the features of the Bill, the Chief Minister refused to comment anything saying that it would be discussed in the House on Friday.
