By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Leader of the Opposition, Conrad Sangma, on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the delay by the State Government to bring in an amendment to the Lokayukta Act even as he demanded to know the status of the proposed amendment.
Reacting to the queries of the Opposition Leader, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma asserted that the Government is examining the need and feasibility of amending the existing Lokayukta Act.
The Chief Minister informed the House that a Consultative Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court was constituted to recommend a suitable name for appointment as the State Lokayukta. Both the Speaker (Charles Pyngrope) and the Opposition Leader (Conrad Sangma) are members of the Committee.
Dr Sangma also informed that that certain legal and protocol issues were raised by some members of the Committee which are being examined by the Law department.
The Chief Minister said that an order has already been issued to the Chief Secretary to examine the draft Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, adding that the Chief Secretary, after examining the matter, would come up with recommendations which would be sent to the Law department for further examination before it is sent to the Cabinet.
The first proviso to Section 3 of the Meghalaya Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 2000 empowers the Governor to consult the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition before appointing the Lokayukta in the State.
Meanwhile, Speaker Charles Pyngrope, while informing that the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court wants to hold the proceedings of the Consultative Committee in Guwahati, said that the Governor (who will be Chairman of any such Committee) with any other three members should attend the Committee’s proceedings in a place specified by the Governor within the State of Meghalaya.
“The consultation process cannot take place outside the State,” the Speaker reiterated.
The Speaker also urged the Chief Minister to take initiative to ensure the speedy appointment of a Lokayukta in the State.
