While transparency in administration and Corruption free Governance has been our urgent need and demand, the very draconian and retrograde manner in which the Goa Government is moving ahead is a matter of great concern.
The powers and rights of constitutionally established authorities cannot be subdued or curbed by misusing the current brute majority.
Amending the Goa Lokayukta Act to allow a retired High Court Judge to be eligible for the post of Lokayukta is a step in the right direction. But all the other mindboggling amendments proposed are so high-handed and objectionable as it would defeat the very purpose and intent that the Goa Lokayukta Act was enacted and its mandate. It is imperative that the Lokayukta is empowered with the right powers and teeth to tackle the current rampant corruption and maladministration prevalent in the State.
Former Goa Lokayukta Justice P.K. Misra after examining the Lokayukta Act had suggested various amendments to strengthen the current weak Act. But instead the amendments now approved by the cabinet would render the Lokayukta absolutely toothless and powerless while giving public officials a jolly-free hand to continue indulging in impermissible acts of gross corruption and dereliction of duty.
And if this is the intent of the government it would be well advised not to waste taxpayer’s money in further running the Institution of the Goa Lokayukta as it would serve no meaningful purpose whatsoever.
