Guwahati: Defending delay in bringing a new Lokayukta Bill in the Assembly, Assam CM Tarun Gogoi on Saturday said state government was taking more time than anticipated in drafting the new Bill due to the elaborate nature of the Lokpal Act in the Centre.
He pointed that the state already has a Lokayukta Act and the new Bill will be drafted and brought into force at the earliest, but in a thorough manner without loopholes.
Replying in the Assembly to the debate on the interim budget, Gogoi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said, ‘We already have a Lokayukta Act. We though we could be able to bring the new Bill (after the passage of Lokpal Act at the Centre) quicker. But the wide dimension of the new Central Act has led to delay in drafting the new Bill here.’
‘We want to bring a comprehensive Bill and hence, are ensuring that all sides, including finance, is dealt with in advance,’ he added.
Earlier, Opposition AGP legislator Keshab Mahanta had questioned the delay in bringing the new Lokayukta Bill.
He said, ‘Notice was issued before this Assembly session that the Bill will be introduced in this session. But it has not been done.’
‘We would like to know why the Bill was not brought, when the Delhi government could manage to try and introduce it within 48 days of assuming power,’ Mahanta added.
Today was the last day of the Assembly session and the new Lokayukta Bill was anticipated to be introduced in the House in this session itself. The government, however, later said it will be brought in the next session of the House. (UNI)
