BJP introduces new Lok Ayukta bill in House

Seeking to force the state government to appoint a Lok Ayukta (ombudsmen for ministers and state government employees), the BJP’s Vidha Sabha member Devendra Phadnavis has introduced a private member’s bill — the Maharashtra Lok Ayukta and Upa-Lok Ayukta (Amendment) bill.

His bill comes a time when the central government has promised a strong Lokpal bill as a measure to fight corruption among central ministers and central government employees. Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had said the state’s lokayukta bill would be modelled on the lines of the central bill, and the state needed to wait till then.

“I don’t see why we should wait for a central bill,” said Phadnavis, “Let us introduce a lokayukta bill and amend it later if  necessary.”   

As per Phadnavis’ bill, a lokayukta will have the power to investigate corruption charges against all and any ‘public servant’, which includes all ministers, legislators, and state government employees and even the CM.   

Phadnavis wants even acts of favouritism and nepotism to be considered corrupt acts, and action taken against public servants if corruption is carried out by relatives and there is a nexus.
The lokayukta would be an institution comprising a lokayuta, his deputy and employees, who would have the right to examine corruption cases. All inquiries must end in six months, extendable to 18 months at best, as per Phadnavis’ bill.