<–2/”>a >Lokayukta investigates cases of Corruption, where substantiated, recommend action. He is a great check on corruption, brings about transparency in the system, makes administrative machinery citizen friendly. His functions largely depend upon jurisdiction vested in him and facilities provided for taking cognizance of citizens’ grievances promptly, dexterously and expeditiously through simple, informal mechanism devoid of technicalities. Corruption is internationally recognized a major problem,capable of endangering stability and security of Society, threatening social, economic and political development and undermining the values of Democracy and morality.
Lokayukta Composition:-
A person to be elected as a Lokayukta should be one, who is or is the Chief Justice or Judge of the High Court. Or, a famous person, who has more than 25 years of expertise in topics related to anti-corruption, Public Administration, vigilance, finance, law and management. Maximum four members can be selected, of which 50 percent will be judicial members. But 50 percent of the members of Lokayukta will be from SC, ST, OBC, minority and Women.
Special Powers of the Lokayukta
- Lokayukta can provide instructions for initial investigation or inspection in any case.
- It is not possible to transfer the officer without the permission of the Lokayukta.
- The Lokayukta will receive all the powers of the Civil Court while doing the investigation.
Chairperson, selection committee for appointment of members
- The committee constituted at the Governor’s level will appoint the president and members of Lokayukt. The governor can give advice to the selection committee for reconsidering the recommendation of the committee, but there will be a compulsion to accept the recommendation after reconsideration.
- The Governor will constitute an Investigative Committee for appointment of Chairman and Members of the Lokayukta.
- The selection committee will consider the names of recommendations of the research committee and will then give its recommendation. On this basis the governor will appoint president and members.
- The President and every member from whom he takes over will be able to provide Services for five years or till the age of 70 years.
- Lokayukta will not be eligible for re-appointment as Chairman or as a member.
- For five years from the date of resignation, the President and the Member shall not be eligible to contest the Election of President, Vice President, MP, MLA, Municipal Body and Panchayat.
Lokayukta will be able to probe against :-
– Chief Minister or former Chief Minister, but it would be necessary to start a full judicial inquiry And consideration and approval to begin investigating at least four members.
– Minister or former minister in the State Government
– Member or former member of state assembly.
– Any officer of Group A and B level in Public Service.
– Any officer or its equivalent officer of Group C and Group D in public service.
– Body Board, Authority, President of Autonomous Body, Member, Employee, Officer
– Any work or conduct of any person can also be examined.,
Lokayukta is an ombudsman institution that is established in each state of India to investigate corruption cases against public servants. The word “Lokayukta” is a combination of two Sanskrit words: “loka” meaning “people” and “yukta” meaning “one who is in charge”. The Lokayukta Act was enacted in 1985 to provide for the establishment of Lokayuktas in the states.
The Lokayukta is appointed by the state government on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the Chief Justice of the High Court, the Chief Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly. The Lokayukta is a retired judge of the High Court or Supreme Court. The Up Lokayukta is also appointed by the state government on the recommendation of the same selection committee. The Up Lokayukta is a retired judge of the High Court or a senior Indian Administrative Service officer.
The Lokayukta has the power to investigate complaints against public servants for corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power. The Lokayukta can also suo motu initiate an inquiry into any matter. The Lokayukta has the power to summon witnesses, record evidence, and examine documents. The Lokayukta can also recommend disciplinary action against public servants, including removal from service.
The Lokayukta is a powerful institution that has the potential to check corruption in the government. However, the Lokayukta has been facing a number of challenges, including lack of public awareness, political interference, and lack of Resources.
The Lokayukta is a relatively new institution in India and there is a need to create public awareness about its role and functions. The Lokayukta should also be given more powers and resources to effectively tackle corruption.
Despite the challenges, the Lokayukta is a valuable institution that can play a significant role in checking corruption in the government. The Lokayukta should be strengthened and supported so that it can effectively fulfill its mandate.
Here are some of the challenges faced by Lokayukta:
- Lack of public awareness: Many people are not aware of the existence of Lokayukta or its role. This makes it difficult for Lokayukta to receive complaints and investigate cases.
- Political interference: Lokayukta is often subject to political interference. This can make it difficult for Lokayukta to investigate cases against powerful politicians.
- Lack of resources: Lokayukta is often understaffed and underfunded. This makes it difficult for Lokayukta to effectively investigate cases.
- Lack of cooperation from government officials: Government officials are often reluctant to cooperate with Lokayukta. This can make it difficult for Lokayukta to gather evidence and investigate cases.
Despite these challenges, Lokayukta has made some progress in checking corruption in India. Lokayukta has investigated a number of high-profile cases and has recommended action against a number of public servants. Lokayukta has also played a role in creating awareness about corruption and its consequences.
The future of Lokayukta looks promising. The Lokayukta Act has been amended to strengthen the institution. Lokayukta is also being given more powers and resources. With the support of the public and the government, Lokayukta can play a significant role in making India a corruption-free country.
What is a Lokayukta?
A Lokayukta is an ombudsman, a public official who is appointed to investigate and prosecute government officials who are suspected of corruption or other wrongdoing. The word Lokayukta is derived from the Sanskrit words loka, meaning “people,” and ukta, meaning “one who speaks.”
What are the powers of a Lokayukta?
The powers of a Lokayukta vary from country to country. In some countries, the Lokayukta has the power to investigate and prosecute government officials, while in other countries, the Lokayukta has the power to investigate only. The Lokayukta may also have the power to recommend disciplinary action against government officials, or to order the removal of government officials from office.
How is a Lokayukta appointed?
The appointment of a Lokayukta is usually done by the government, but in some countries, the Lokayukta is appointed by the legislature or by the judiciary. The Lokayukta is usually appointed for a fixed term, and is not subject to removal from office except for cause.
What are the challenges faced by Lokayuktas?
Lokayuktas face a number of challenges, including lack of resources, lack of cooperation from government officials, and political interference. Lokayuktas are also often subject to threats and intimidation.
What are some of the successes of Lokayuktas?
Lokayuktas have had some success in investigating and prosecuting government officials who are suspected of corruption. Lokayuktas have also been successful in raising awareness of corruption and in promoting Good Governance.
What are the future prospects of Lokayuktas?
The future prospects of Lokayuktas are uncertain. Lokayuktas face a number of challenges, but they have also had some success. It is important to continue to support Lokayuktas and to ensure that they have the resources and the independence they need to carry out their work effectively.
Sure, here are some MCQs on the topics of corruption, accountability, and transparency:
-
Which of the following is not a type of corruption?
(a) Bribery
(b) Embezzlement
(c) Nepotism
(d) Lokayukta -
Which of the following is not a way to promote accountability?
(a) Independent audits
(b) Public disclosure of information
(c) Whistleblower protection laws
(d) Lokayukta -
Which of the following is not a way to promote transparency?
(a) Freedom of information laws
(b) Open government data initiatives
(c) Lokayukta
(d) None of the above -
Which of the following is not a benefit of reducing corruption?
(a) Increased economic Growth
(b) Improved government services
(c) Reduced POVERTY
(d) Lokayukta -
Which of the following is not a benefit of increasing accountability?
(a) Reduced waste and fraud
(b) Improved public trust in government
(c) Increased efficiency in government
(d) Lokayukta -
Which of the following is not a benefit of increasing transparency?
(a) Increased citizen participation in government
(b) Reduced corruption
(c) Improved government decision-making
(d) Lokayukta -
Which of the following is the most common type of corruption?
(a) Bribery
(b) Embezzlement
(c) Nepotism
(d) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce corruption?
(a) Increasing public awareness of corruption
(b) Strengthening anti-corruption laws
(c) Increasing the number of corruption investigations
(d) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most effective way to promote accountability?
(a) Increasing transparency in government
(b) Strengthening oversight mechanisms
(c) Increasing citizen participation in government
(d) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most effective way to promote transparency?
(a) Increasing access to information
(b) Reducing red tape
(c) Making government data open and accessible
(d) All of the above