Lokayukta says he needs autonomy for effective functioning

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the district Lokayukta building here on Sunday, he said that last year 279 government officials have been trapped by Lokayukta and this year it has already crossed over 300 officers. After he took charge as Lokayukta, 20,000 complaints have been received. Of which, only 12,000 could be disposed  so far.

Coming down heavily on those vested interest who still control the government and political pressure coming in the way of effective functioning of the Lokayukta in punishing the guilty, he said if Lokayukta is required to function independently the government should make all efforts to remove the existing shortcomings and need to strengthen it, he said.

He said many deficiencies, malpractices and corruption were found by the Lokayukta, which could not be solved despite its best efforts, as some statutory prohibitions from internal system have come in the way of redressing all these grievances. Ombudsmen is required in all government departments to check malpractices and corruptions, he added.  
He said “Udupi is the second city to have own building by Lokayukta after Bijapur. The work on building at Bijapur is under progress. Government should provide better infrastructures to Lokayukta in all other remaining districts of the state, he said.  

Home Minister Dr V S Acharya said that for better smooth, clean and efficient administration and development, there should be corrupt free system of administration in the society. The state government is committed to provide all infrastructures required by Lokayukta. He said that as the district sub jail has been shifted to Nejar on the outskirts of the city, the district administration is planning Mini Vidhana Soudha to incorporate taluk office. Chief Minister has okayed the proposal of Mini Vidhan Soudha in principle. The work for the construction of the building is expected to start by January, he added. The Upa Lokayukta Justice G Patri Basavanagowda said that the majority government offices lack courtesy attitudes towards public. The officers have no courtesy to offer even a seat to the public who approach them. They not only respond to the needs of the public.  The building is being constructed at a cost of Rs 45 lakh.

 MLA Raghupathy Bhat, ZP President Gladys Almeida and others were present.