Shillong: Opposition NCP has demanded
immediate appointment of a Lokayukta in Meghalaya alleging the
state is not "lacking behind" in corruption.
"At a time when corrupt people are facing action by the
Lokayuktas in different states, it is imperative that the
same should be appointed immediately here," Leader of the
Opposition Conrad K Sangma told on Monday.
"I have written to Chief Minister requesting him to take
a look into the appointment of an effective Lokayukta and I
hope he will reciprocate in the interest of the people of the
State," Sangma said.
The Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 2002 in Meghalaya
predates the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Rules were
passed only in 2007 by the previous Congress led government.
"If necessary the government should redraft the rules to
give the Lokayukta its necessary powers as is the case with
other states," Sangma said.
The Meghalaya Right to Information Movement (MRTIM), an
anti-graft movement in Meghalaya, had demanded a repeal of the
said Act.
MRTIM convener Michael Syiem expressed dismay over the
attempt of the state government to appoint a Lokayutka based
on a toothless and anti-people Meghalaya Lokayukta and
Up-lokayukta Act, 2002.
"With no financial, judicial and administrative
independence, the proposed Lokayukta in Meghalaya has no power
for prosecution or ordering punishment against corrupt public
servants," Syiem said.
PTI
First Published: Monday, November 07, 2011, 20:31