SHILLONG: Anna Hazare’s ongoing fast for the Lokpal Bill has given scope for activists in Meghalaya under the banner of Campaign for an Independent Lokayukta in Meghalaya to press for a strong anti- corruption body since the State Government has notified the Meghalaya Lokayukta Amendment Act, 2013, with many loopholes.
The Campaign for an Independent Lokayukta in Meghalaya had earlier petitioned UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to ensure that the State Government follows and upholds the model provisions outlined in the Lokpal Bill in the State Act, but in vain.
It was on November 11 that the Meghalaya Lokayukta Amendment Act, 2013 was notified in the official Meghalaya Gazette.
Angela Rangad, one of the members of Campaign for an Independent Lokayukta, on Friday said that they will fight for a strong Lokayukta in the State.
She accused Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma of cheating everyone by not incorporating the suggestions of concerned NGOs.
Moreover, when the amendment to the Lokayukta Act was brought by the Government, it was passed without any discussion in the Assembly, Rangad stated.
Though the Lokayukta Bill was amended twice since December, 2012, its provisions are not enough to check corruption.
As per the Act, the process of filing complaints by way of registering affidavits before the First Judicial Magistrates will discourage commoners from lodging complaints.
According to the Act, the power of the Lokayukta is limited as far as taking suo-moto cases are concerned.
There are exemptions of a large number of Government servants and others from the purview of the Act which casts doubts on the intention of the Government to ensure transparency and accountability.
The exemptions even include any matter related to the policy formulation by the State Government and also the action taken in pursuance of policies so framed by the Government.
Other exemptions are grade IV employees and employees below grade IV, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Assembly with respect to their actions inside the House, Chief Justice, any Judge of the High Court, officers and staff of the High Court and members of Meghalaya Judicial service and Chairman or any member of Meghalaya Public Service Commission.
The media is also barred from getting the proceedings of the Lokayukta.
As per the Act, criticizing Lokayukta is a punishable offence which means that the freedom of expression is curtailed.
At the same time, the Lokayukta will have a short life if the legislators do not like the functioning of the Lokayukta and its members as they can be removed by a simple majority of the State Legislature.
