UP govt keeps Lokayukta out of RTI purview

Lucknow: In a major decision, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to keep the office of the Lokayukta out of the purview of the RTI.

The Cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, decided to keep the office of the Lokayukta out of the purview of the RTI Act, 2005, a senior official said.
The government believes that since Lokayukta is an investigating agency there is need to keep its secrecy intact, official sources said.

Any disclosure of on-going investigations could prove detrimental, they said adding the Lokayukta also has judicial powers.
In another important decision, the Cabinet decided to implement the Kanya Vidyadhan Yojna for encouraging girls of economically weak families for further study, the official said.

Under the scheme, identified girls would get one-time encouragement amount of Rs 30,000, he said adding the scheme would be implemented from this year itself.
Girls passing class 12 this year or later and hailing from families having annual income of not more than Rs 35,000 will be eligible under the scheme.
The girls will be selected by a committee headed by respective District Magistrates, the official said.
PTI