SHILLONG, NOV 23: The conglomeration of NGOs today demanded the state government to issue a notification directing all public servants to declare their assets and source of income pending the appointment of a Lokayukta in the state.
Under the banner of the Campaign for an Independent Lokayukta in Meghalaya (CILM), the NGOs have also dared the political parties and politicians to declare their support for implementation of Lokayukta, if elected to power in the upcoming 2018 Assembly poll.
It may be mentioned here, the state government had passed the anti-corruption law – the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act 2014, two years ago. The Governor has given his assent to the Act on March 26, 2014.
However, the government is yet to appoint the Lokayukta, which is empowered to investigate and prosecute corrupt public servants, till date.
Addressing the media here on Thursday, Maitshaphrang leader Michael Syiem said, “We demand the government to issue a notification insisting that all government servants from the chief minister’s level down to the lowest rank should declare their assets and source of income. This will also include the assets held by their dependents.”
“If the state government is really sincere (in fighting against corruption), this is the first step since the government is yet to appoint the chairperson and four other members of the Lokayukta,” he said.
Pointing out that almost all the political parties say that they want “transparency”, Syiem said that they appealed to all political parties to support the demand for the immediate implementation of the Lokayukta in the state.
With elections just round the corner, the noted social activist said that let’s see which party will come forward and support the demand in view that everybody is talking about transparency and accountability.
“If talking about transparency (and a corruption free state) without supporting, then it will be just a lip service,” he said.
On the other hand, Syiem however alleged that many politicians and also the bureaucrats are scared if the Lokayukta is being implemented because the assets which they failed to declare will be seized.
Stating that the Lokayukta will to a great extent help in curbing corruption practices, he said that it will also make the implementation of the Right To Information Act, 2005 more stronger.
“All RTI findings can be submitted to the Lokayukta which can further investigate and prosecute corrupt officials within a time bound period besides seizing properties (acquired through corrupt practices),” he said.
Asked on the tendency of people to misuse the RTI especially during elections, the activist however said that no one can deny the fact that the coming of the RTI Act has help in many ways even as he admitted that many MLAs even lost in the elections.
“People can say it’s (filing of RTI) a political move but if it brings good results like exposing corruptions such as ghost organizations/clubs, I think we should appreaciate,” he said.
It may be mentioned here, the Lokayukta Bill was first passed in the year 2002 which then was repealed in 2012. However the then Governor RS Mooshahary sent back the Lokayukta Bill 2012 with some recommendation.
After amendments were brought, the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act was finally passed in 2013. Later this was also replaced with Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014.
By Our Reporter
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