Loksatta welcomes Lokayukta Santosh Hegde back to office; declares its war against corruption will continue
Loksatta party today declared partial victory in its campaign to bring Justice Santosh Hedge back to office as Lokayukta, as the Karnataka government bowed to public pressure in support of Justice Hegde. However, the party cautioned that the battle against corruption in public life is far from over, and even the matter of the Lokayukta himself needs further attention from society and government alike.
Loksatta had last week initiated a 100-day campaign to achieve twin objectives - one, to bring a prominent public servant back to his respected office, and two, to demand that the Lokayukta should be given powers to initiate prosecution suo moto against corrupt officials. Loksatta's campaign received support from thousands of people across the state, and the public event at Bangalore was also widely attended. "Today, the first of these objectives has been met - a clear victory for the party's new politics in Karnataka," said Muralidhar Rao, party Vice-President in the State.
It is noteworthy that the Lokayukta, while withdrawing his resignation, declared that he had received assurances from the government that legislative action to give his office suo mo to powers would be taken up, and that those found guilty of scamming the public exchequer in the mining scams ongoing in the state would be punished. It remains to be seen whether these promises are fulfilled, and the Lokayukta himself has warned that he would once again put in his papers if these were not carried out.
Loksatta Party National President Dr Jayaprakash Narayan spoke with Justice Hegde to congratulate him on his decision to continue in office, and to assure Loksatta?s appreciation for his stance against corruption in public life.
Loksatta calls upon the public to sustain the campaign, so that the necessary changes in law are enacted in a timely manner, and are not merely paper promises. In addition, the party said it would keep the spotlight on corruption by carrying on with its national campaign to get a Lokpal Bill enacted in the Parliament of India. Towards this objective, the party is working on a draft law to be submitted to the Prime Minister in a few months.
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Press Release
How to kill an effective anti-corruption institution?
Loksatta Party demands an honest and empowered Lokayukta
The major political parties in Karnataka are weakening the office of the Lokayukta by not appointing a successor to Justice Santosh Hedge. Moreover, by making insinuations about Justice Hedge and demeaning the investigations carried out by him, they are attempting to dilute the faith of the public in the office of the Lokayukta. This is a conspiracy that is being hatched against the Lokayukta and their work, and must be stopped now.
The work done for the last few years by the Lokayuktas had instilled faith in the fight against corruption, and many people had come forward to file cases against graft, especially against persons in positions of authority and power. There are many cases of corruption being filed against the members of the political parties; that is why some politicians are attempting to weaken the Lokayukta fearing that they may be caught in the net. This is an unfortunate development for democracy.
The State government, rather than support the Lokayukta, is itself responsible for trying to weaken it. Loksatta Party demands that the Government quickly appoint a respected and strong head to the Office of the Lokayukta – someone who has an impeccable track record like Justice B N Krishna and Justice N K Sodhi - and also empower the Lokayukta along the lines adopted by the State of Uttarakhand.
On the administrative front, Loksatta opposes the transfer of ADGP Goanker from the Lokayukta, and demands his reinstatement to the previous appointment for a meaningfully long term. Moreover, Loksatta demands that in the future the Government should not appoint anyone whose previous record in public service raises question marks about their efficacy in the office of the Lokayukta.
<p>Phanisai Ring the bells of change - For Good Politics</p>
Press Release
How to kill an effective anti-corruption institution?
Loksatta Party demands an honest and empowered Lokayukta
The major political parties in Karnataka are weakening the office of the Lokayukta by not appointing a successor to Justice Santosh Hedge. Moreover, by making insinuations about Justice Hedge and demeaning the investigations carried out by him, they are attempting to dilute the faith of the public in the office of the Lokayukta. This is a conspiracy that is being hatched against the Lokayukta and their work, and must be stopped now.
The work done for the last few years by the Lokayuktas had instilled faith in the fight against corruption, and many people had come forward to file cases against graft, especially against persons in positions of authority and power. There are many cases of corruption being filed against the members of the political parties; that is why some politicians are attempting to weaken the Lokayukta fearing that they may be caught in the net. This is an unfortunate development for democracy.
The State government, rather than support the Lokayukta, is itself responsible for trying to weaken it. Loksatta Party demands that the Government quickly appoint a respected and strong head to the Office of the Lokayukta – someone who has an impeccable track record like Justice B N Krishna and Justice N K Sodhi - and also empower the Lokayukta along the lines adopted by the State of Uttarakhand.
On the administrative front, Loksatta opposes the transfer of ADGP Goanker from the Lokayukta, and demands his reinstatement to the previous appointment for a meaningfully long term. Moreover, Loksatta demands that in the future the Government should not appoint anyone whose previous record in public service raises question marks about their efficacy in the office of the Lokayukta.
<p>Phanisai Ring the bells of change - For Good Politics</p>