Govt caves in as Sangma indicate placing of draft Lokayukta bill this session

SHILLONG, DEC 11: In what could be construed as caving in to the pressure of the anti-graft activists, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma indicated that there is a possibility of introducing the draft Lokayukta bill during the current winter session of the assembly.

Sangma told the assembly on the first day of winter session Tuesday that the draft bill could then be deliberated on by the cabinet.

Replying to a query posed by opposition and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Conrad Kongkal Sangma, chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “The Bill will be structured in a manner so as to include everybody.”

As the government had failed to respond to the demand of the ngos to repeal and bring about a strong legislation for appointment of a Lokayukta, anti-grafts members have launched a three day sit-in-demonstration Tuesday to pressurize the government to take steps in appointing a Lokayukta and also to repeal the existing Lokayukta Act, 2002.

In the assembly chief minister Sangma said, “We are keen on replacing the existing Act, 2002.”  He underscored the need and indispensability of having a Lokayukta in the state.   He said, “Meghalaya should show the way” and assured the house that the  government was open to discussion on creation of the post of the Lokayukta in consultation with all political parties.

Meghalaya speaker Charles Pyngrope also urged the government to consider the appointment of the Lokayukta as he said  it was of utmost public importance.

Allaying Conrad Sangma apprehension, Pyngrope said if the Bill is  introduced in the current session it  would not lapse even after dissolution of the  present assembly, as the state would go to polls to elect a new government early  next year.

Pyngrope, however, advised the assembly not to “rush through” the proposed Lokayukta Bill as it was a “major and important issue”.

Conrad Sangma had tried to move and adjournment motion seeking discussion on “corruption” but Pyngrope shot it down on technical grounds saying rule 56 (2) of the Conduct of Business  in the House, indicates that such a motion could be taken up only on specific issues.

Pyngrope said, “I shall not go against the rules.” –By Our Reporter