When is Lok Pal getting appointed?
PM Modi assumed chair declaring ‘na khaunga, na khaane dunga’ (in essence, he wouldn’t go corrupt or wouldn’t allow corruption to thrive under him either). It has been almost four and half years since he came into office saying he would fix everything that people who ruled the country for 70 years did wrong. His bhakts have been saying the same thing as well. In another 8 months, his tenure will get over and the country has hardly seen any changes. Instead, common people had to face difficulty owing to bad execution of GST and demonetization.
Manmohan Singh government had brought Right to Information act with the hope that administration has to be transparent and there has to be accountability. This act was so powerful that as a result of this, telecom scam was unearthed. Some people who were ministers in last government were even jailed. This act singed many people even at Panchayat level. Now after Modi government came into power, RTI exists only on paper and people are unable to get any information they seek. Details of expenses on providing security cover to Amit Shah are not available under this act. No information is being provided even if one wants to know about the details about public treasury. Details of persons or industrialists who travelled with PM Modi on official trips are not made available. His education details are never out in public domain. There isn’t any information about warplane purchase. Basically, whatever information is sought by the general public, is never available. Yet, the PM appears on Doordarshan sometimes and claims through lip service that his is the most transparent administration India has ever seen.
In the run up to the elections, Modi had assured that he would be appointing Lok Pal soon after he wins elections. But the government was least interested in executing this even after many years in power. SC even rapped the government for not setting up a committee to make recommendations for the post of Lok Pal. Government defended its actions saying there is no official opposition leader in the Lok Sabha.
According to Lok Pal and Lokayukta Act 2013, the posts and the system has to be in place at both state and central levels. It has been almost five years since this act was passed. But the government has been hesitating to take any further step to materialize this, citing some technical problem or the other. One of the reasons that Lok Sabha does not have official leader of opposition is something very far from the truth. After the Supreme Court rapped the government, a committee was formed. But the leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was not made a member, but was invited as a special invitee. Humiliated by this, Kharge did not go to the meeting. Because, invitees have no say in recommendation of Lok Pal.
In the recent times, an amendment has been suggested to anti-corruption bill which penalizes both persons who offer bribe and the ones that receive bribe as well. This is an attempt to create some strong assuring atmosphere in people’s minds against raging corruption. The government says this amendment is aimed at creating confidence. Hence to protect honest officers, even those who offer bribes would be made to stand in the position of guilty as per the law. This ordinance says cases of bribe will have to be disposed of in two years’ time.
Investigation agencies or police cannot register suo moto case against officers. Permission will have to be sought from concerned officers and departments before initiating any step. Retired officers have been insulated from this. Bribe is being interpreted as a criminal misconduct wherein a person has more assets than his known sources of income.
There is an interpretation that anti-corruption bill has been weakened with this. As the act stands now, misuse of power/position and anything that would amount to causing damage to public assets was to be seen as a criminal misconduct. But now with the amendment, this clause has been weakened and the criminals have the opportunity to go scot free. The wrong doing officers have an opportunity to escape the claws of law.
Though it has been mentioned that permission must be sought from suitable authority/department before initiating investigation, there is no clarity on who is the ‘suitable’ person who should be looking into this. Though Lok Pal and Lokayukta systems have to be in place at centre and state respectively, the government is least interested in ensuring this is done. Lame excuses are being given to ensure this system does not come into existence. Narendra Modi had done the same thing when he was Gujarat CM. Even at the centre, he is bent upon creating the same chaotic situation. He feels either the people or the system should never question him or his decisions.
Corruption has been the biggest stumbling block in India’s march towards being a better nation. But to bring an amendment to protect the corrupt and punish the ones that are forced to part with the bribes, is hardly any answer to the problem. Government should appoint Lok Pal and Lokayukta instead of beating around the bush, bringing in undesirable amendments.
Mallikarjun Kharge is a towering personality among opposition parties. He has to be made member of recommendation committee. If this government does not appoint the Lokayukta, people would really suspect the motive of central government, with strong doubts over its integrity.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
