On the issue of State lokayukta Act, which was approved by the President, has created flutter in State politics. Although Congress-led Uttarakhand Government, which was unaware about the President’s approval and decided to appoint Deputy lokayukta, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has categorically said: “We would study the Act and will make amendment in next Cabinet meeting.”
Talking to media persons after Cabinet meeting on Friday late evening, CM Bahuguna said that there are several issues which are undemocratic, will be amended by the State Government. Meanwhile, the Act is being studied and final decision will be taken in upcoming cabinet meeting on November 7.
“The lokayukta law has been formulated, but whether it will be implemented or not will be decided in the next meeting of the State Cabinet to be held on November 7,” said the Chief Minister.
“We have the option of changing the law or bringing a new one. Some provisions of the law are unconstitutional. Even the judiciary has been brought under the ambit of the lokayukta.”
After the President’s assent, the Bill was sent to the legal department on September 9 but despite there being a period of 180 days for its implementation, the Bill was sent for printing without bringing it to the notice of the Chief Minister, Parliamentary Affairs Minister or the Chief Secretary, Bahuguna said, adding that that there was no need to show such a haste.
When asked if action will be taken against the guilty officials, the Chief Minister said that the Chief Secretary is conducting vigilance enquiry and once complete then disciplinary action will be taken.
The Bill will bring the Chief Minister, ministers, MlAs and Government servants, including IAS and IPS officers, under the ambit of the lokayukta. Former Chief Ministers, former ministers and retired officers will also be covered by the new law which carries a provision of punishment up to life imprisonment.
Talking about Act, an official said that if the act will be implemented then Government servant will not take a risk while executing their work because people may use the act to harass the officials.