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Govt weakening democratic system: Santosh Hegde

Last Updated 09 January 2017, 18:53 IST

The state government has scripted the erosion of democratic system of governance by weakening the Lokayukta institution, former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde has said.

Addressing students at a programme organised by Adichunchanagiri English Medium School  here on Monday, Justice Hegde said that he had so far visited more than 800 schools and colleges to create awareness against corrupt practices among the students.

“ The coal scam which was exposed in 2013 is worth Rs 2.12 lakh crore. With this money, a government can pay the salaries of the government officials of a state for four years. But, such a huge amount of money has gone into the possession of a few people, which is a tragedy” he said.

The Commonwealth scam exposed in 2010 involves Rs 70,000 crore and the size of the 2G scam Rs 1.76 lakh crore. Though the literacy rate was less in 1940, there was no corruption. Now, the literacy rate has increased, so has the corruption, Hegde said.

Hegde also lashed at the Opposition parties for their conduct in defaming the ruling party. “They have been issuing irrelevant statements in the name of freedom of speech,” he said.

The then UPA government tried to introduce goods and services tax in 2012. The NDA, which was in the Opposition, was against it. Now, the tables have turned and the UPA government is creating hurdles, he said.

Out of 542 Lok Sabha members, only 174 have spoken during the sessions. Each constituency is ruled by caste, and money, he added.

Commenting on demonetisation, Hegde said that the Centre had given priority to cashless transactions to curb corruption. Though it is difficult for the people to adapt it initially, it will be fruitful in future, he opined.

Adichunchanagiri Seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami released the magazine ‘Deshadeepti,’ on the occasion. Meritorious students were felicitated and students presented cultural programmes.

Adichunchanagiri Mutt Hassan branch seer Shambunath Swami, MLA H S Prakash, municipal president H S Anil Kumar and others were present.

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(Published 09 January 2017, 18:53 IST)

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