By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Friday introduced amendments to the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012, with a proposal to include all public servants and District Councils under the purview of the Bill.
Dr Sangma presented the Meghalaya Lokayukta Amendment Bill, 2013, but with only a few changes contrary to the many suggestions made by the members of the Assembly and those of the civil society.
The anti-graft bodies had even suggested the introduction of a new Bill, but in vain, as the Government decided to go ahead with the amendment.
After the Assembly on December 14 last year passed the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012, it was sent to Governor RS Mooshahary for his assent. The Governor, however, returned the Bill with a message for consideration for amendment of certain clauses.
The Government made corrections only to the amendments suggested by the Governor and not to the many other important suggestions put forward by the MLAs and members of NGOs.
One of the additions to the Bill is that the officers who look after the affairs of the District Councils constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India will also come under the purview of the Bill.
The proposed amended Bill has recommended deletion of Section 22, a clause which had the power to exclude complaints against certain classes of public servants.
Another addition is that a person would be considered for appointment as member of Lokayukta provided that he is of impeccable integrity, outstanding ability, and having special knowledge and expertise of not less than 25 years in any of the matters relating to anti corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, policy making, finance including insurance and banking, law and management.
However, this amendment will be a headache for the Government as it has to search for persons who have the requisite experience in the relevant fields. The Government failed to consider the suggestions of the legislators that elected peoples’ representatives (MLAs and MPs) should also be considered as member of the Lokayukta.
The proposed amendment Bill also stipulates that the search committee should recommend the names of members for Lokayukta and the committee should consist of persons of impeccable integrity and having special knowledge and expertise in matters relating to anti corruption policy, public administration and vigilance among others.