‘RTI findings should be taken up with Lokayukta’

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Right to Information Movement (MRTIM) on Friday said that now the Right to Information (RTI) findings should be taken up with the Lokayukta since the Government is expected to pass a new Lokayukta Bill which is quite a stronger bill than the previous Bills that were implemented by the State Government.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, MRTIM leader Michael Syiem however said that the movement will never compromise if there is no investigation wing, prosecution wing and special courts to ensure that the trial gets completed within one year. On the other hand, Angela Rangad expressed apprehension over the fact that the State Government has not mentioned any timeline for notifying the new proposed Bill.
According to Rangad, now it is the time when common men has to come out with names who can name the best persons for suitable for member and chairman of the Lokayukta.
It may be mentioned that the State Government would constitute a search committee which would shortlist the names of the individuals for the post of members and chairperson of the committee.
The MRTIM however still pointed out many loopholes in the Bill with sections like 29, 45, 10 (4) and section 3.
The State Government would table the new Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill 2014 on the last day of the Assembly session, replacing the existing Meghalaya Lokayukta Act 2013.
As per the new bill, any person who was eligible to be appointed as the judge of the High Court was eligible to be appointed as the member of the Lokayukta. Besides, a retired Union Government secretary or a state Chief Secretary was also eligible to be the chairman.
In addition, the State Government also intended to put organizations or societies receiving foreign contribution under the purview of the Bill.