The six-month delay in appointing a new Lokayukta in Goa is baffling, especially when allegations and accusations of corruption threaten good governance in the State. It sends a disappointing message about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, on lines with a few other states that have dragging their feet over the issue.
We often hear the State government proclaiming “zero-tolerance towards corruption” in its public discourse. Corruption has been a grey area in Goa where lots have been spoken, but very little proven. Goa may be a small state, but it faces gigantic corruption charges time and again. In two recent cases, former ministers Govind Gaude and Pandurang Madkaikar have openly criticized the extent of corruption in government departments. Gaude hit out at the Tribal Welfare Department, while Madkaikar made strong claims against officials for “looting” the State, admitting he had paid bribes to get his work done.
Bold statements such as these underline the urgent need for a strong, independent, and effective Lokayukta to investigate, prosecute, and combat corruption. Leaving the Lokayukta post vacant for over six months virtually means that justice is delayed or denied to those taking cudgels, and it simply means that nobody at the activities helm cares.
This delay encourages corrupt fostering a sense of impunity that undermines the rule of law and damages the trust of citizens in governance. Ideally, the State government should empower the Lokayukta if it genuinely wants to show zero tolerance towards graft.
The powers and scope of Goa’s Lokayukta play a critical role in this situation. Unlike Karnataka or Kerala, where Lokayuktas have strong investigation powers, including the ability to start prosecutions or recommend actions, Goa’s version has been weakened by various changes. Amendments to the Goa Lokayukta Act have notably removed provisions related to nepotism, poor administration, and corrupt intentions” key issues that limit the institution’s ability to operate freely. The Goa Lokayukta is limited by powers and resources and it hurts the institution’s credibility and effectiveness, turning it into a largely ceremonial entity instead of a real watchdog.
Across many states, there is a widespread belief that Lokayuktas often lack effectiveness due to political interference, insufficient staffing, and limited prosecution powers. These problems are worsened by a lack of political will, with many governments hesitant to empower them. Goa is one of them.
The urgency of appointing a Lokayukta cannot be overstated. A strong, well-resourced Lokayukta can act as an important check on government excesses and corruption, helping to restore public confidence. The huge gap in appointments does not bode well for anyone, in fact, it reflects a larger issue that lip service is paid to what is portrayed as an anti-corruption crusade.
Several citizens have moved courts over delays in appointing Lokayuktas in their respective areas, the recent being a PIL filed before the High Court in Dehradun in February this year. It is a massive vote of no-confidence on the government of the day. It would be embarrassing for the State government to reach such a point.
To uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, the State must speed up the appointment process, empower the Lokayukta with effective investigative and prosecution powers, and create a culture that values integrity over political convenience. Only then can Goa address its corruption challenges and rebuild public trust in its systems.
