Constitution of Lokayukta
SHILLONG: The search committee may meet this week to examine the applications for the post of chairman and four members of Meghalaya Lokayukta.
“We have received five to six applications and the names will be examined in the next meeting,” chairman of search committee G.P Wahlang said on Monday.
Asked whether there will be further invitation through the media to get more applications, Wahlang said that the matter will be examined in the meeting.
Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and Campaign for Independent Lokayukta in Meghalaya, which have been following up the early constitution of Lokayukta, recently urged the search committee to make public the names for the post of chairperson and members of the Meghalaya Lokayukta before they are forwarded to the selection committee.
The NGOs also wanted the search committee to seek people’s suggestions as this would ensure active participation by the public in the selection process as well as providing a public legitimacy for the future Lokayukta.
In response, Wahlang said that he is aware of the petition of NGOs and added that the matter will be examined.
The search committee comprising Wahlang as chairman and B.B Dutta, L.M Sangma, Theilin Phanbuh and S.G Momin as members, had met in February to find suitable names.
After the recommendation of the search committee, the selection committee comprising the chief minister as chairman and the Assembly speaker, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya or a Judge nominated by him, the Leader of the Opposition and nominated member M.P Bezbaruah as members will give nod to the appointment of chairperson and members.
The governor will finally approve the official formation of the Lokayukta after getting the committee’s recommendation.