SHILLONG: A strong anti-corruption body is yet to become a reality in the State as the Chairperson and members of the Meghalaya Lokayukta are yet to be appointed by the State Government.
There were a series of agitation in the past expressing concern over the delay in the formation of an effective Lokayukta for Meghalaya.
Pending a full- fledged Lokayukta, the corruption cases involving officials are currently being handled by the State Vigilance Commission headed by the Chief Secretary and this has almost become ‘defunct and toothless.’
The latest regarding Meghalaya Lokayukta is that the rules framed by the Political Affairs department will have to get the approval of the Cabinet before the Chairperson and members of the Meghalaya Lokayukta are appointed.
An official with the Political Affairs department said on Sunday that the Cabinet will meet to finalise the rules related to the appointment of Chairperson and members for the Commission.
Meghalaya Lokayukta consists of a Chairperson and four members.
There were a series of amendments to the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act and finally the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2014 was passed in the March session of the Assembly this year. However, there is no headway in the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Lokayukta even after several months.
