Shillong Nov 12: Moving strong with the Movement to fight against corruption, the Meghalaya Right to Information (MRTI) activists on Monday demanded the state government to repeal the Meghalaya Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 2002 and to appoint a strong and independent institution to take actions in a fast track court.
Addressing a press conference at the Shillong Press Club on Tuesday chief member of the MRTI Michael Syiem said that through RTI, many scams has been unearthed during the last few years in our state but sadly there have never been a case where actions were taken against the people responsible simply because, the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2002 is a toothless and anti people law. However, Syiem said that the government needs to implement an effective anti-corruption mechanism in Meghalaya to control corruption.
It may be mentioned here that the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act was passed way back in 2002 and the rules were made only five years later in 2007.
Syiem also informed that they will be launching their first campaign to pressurize the government to repeal the existing act and introduce a new effective commission starting with a joint meet with the different stakeholders to be held on November 19.
Accrodingly Angela Rangad RTI activist said the Lokayukta bill was submitted to the government earlier but till date, nothing has been done in this stead and it seems that the government is not interested. Rangad said that “Under the present law, this act should ensure that it covers everyone right from the chief minister to his peon and setting up of this anti-corruption commission should be fair and transparent”, Rangad said adding that it will also cover non-governmental entities.
Under the present law, the Lokayukta would be a body with merely investigating and recommendatory powers, Rangad said while adding that it would have no power to initiate suo moto investigation and prosecute or punish corrupt public servants.(SP News)
