In a significant initiative taken in the election year, the BJP-led saffron alliance Government on Tuesday decided to bring the Chief Minister under the purview of Lokayukta of Maharashtra and effect necessary changes in the existing law to make the existing law broad-based and ensure transparency in the process of appointment of Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta.
At a weekly meeting presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the State Cabinet decided approved the proposal to amend the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act 1971 after incorporating some new provisions in the Union Government’s Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
Having vetted the proposal brought before it after incorporating the new provisions in the Centre’s Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the State Cabinet decided to amend the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act 1971 so as to strengthen the office of Lokayukta and empower the person holding the office to investigate the allegations of the Chief Minister.
The State Cabinet also decided to expand the purview of the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act 1971 and make the process of appointment of Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta transparent.
Among other things, the approved proposal has recommended the setting up of a selection committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.