Lokayukta not weakened by ACB formation, says Justice Shetty

'Action against officials if complaints received'

It is a wrong notion that the continuous raids would arrest corruption in the state, said Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty. Speaking to media after chairing a meeting with officials here on Wednesday, he asked whether transparency be brought in by conducting a raid.

“I have directed respective Deputy Commissioners to initiate disciplinary action if any lapses or irregularities found in the system. Transprency is possible through a dialogue. If the official concerned still fail to rectify his mistake, then action could be initiated against him,” he felt. 

The notion that Lokayukta has become weak after the setting up of Anti-Corruption Bureau is also far from truth. Even after the formation of ACB, the Lokayukta has been receiving several complaints, he said and added: “I would not like to discuss further as the issue of whether ACB is required or not is before the court.”

To a query on Karnataka topping the list of most-corrupt states in a survey conducted by Centre for Media Studies, Delhi, Lokayukta said, “It is not sure who has conducted the survey. The level of corruption may be less in Kerala. However, projecting Karnataka as most corrupt state is not a right,” he felt.

“The situation is not bad in Karnataka. It is better to take work by taking officials into confidence. People should also cooperate. The government welfare programmes should not remain just on paper.

The officials should accelerate the process. The programmes should reach the beneficiaries. In the last three months, I have toured 13 districts. I am confident of officials discharging their duties effectively,” he said.  
Earlier, he called upon the officials to respond to the problems faced by the poor.

The Lokayukta told the meeting that there are several complaints related to local bodies and suggested the officials to dispose of applications for change of khata and seeking license for construction of houses within the time frame.

Pointing that the government has earmarked funds for health, education, child development sectors. The benefits should reach the beneficiaries within the time frame.

Lokayukta ADGP Parashivamurthy, Deputy Commissioner Dr Richard Vincent D’Souza, SP P Rajendra Prasad, ZP CEO Charulatha Somal and others were present.
DH News Service