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Maharashtra's corruption watchdog all set for long-pending reforms

Maharashtra was the first state to establish Lokayukta in the country in 1971.

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Devendra Fadnavis
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The Maharashtra Lokayukta is finally ready for the long-pending reforms. The anti-corruption ombudsman is going to have its website soon.

On the lines of Bombay High Court, the Lokayukta website would also incorporate a Case Management Information System where one can search details and status of a case by keying in the petitioner or respondent's name.

Registrar of Lokayukta AP Kurhekar confirmed the development. He said, "Efforts are on to allow people to file online plaints too." Kurhekar added: "Our objective is to reach out to more people and making them approach the Lokyaukta easily. Unfortunately, a large section of population is still unaware about Lokayukta and its mandate."

The efforts are on to speed up the disposal of plaints as well. "We would soon implement fix dates for hearing just on the lines of the courts. This would force the departments to submit their reports on time."
Over 4,000 cases are lying at the Lokayukta, which receives close to 500 plaints every month.

Maharashtra was the first state to establish Lokayukta in the country in 1971. However, the body not only remained low profile and out of reach but also failed to upgrade itself with the changing times.

The institution which is often regarded as "toothless and clawless" is also seeking more power and autonomy for two years now. An amendment in the Lokayukta Act is being sought so that the institution can have its own investigative body and power to prosecute the accused in a "special court" whose orders would be binding to the state and non-compliance invite contempt of the Lokayukta.

"This would be real reform for this institution. However, it needs government's nod. Meanwhile, we can make the Lokayukta vibrant and people-friendly," says Kurhekar.
 

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