House passes Lokayukta Bill 2011
With the stated objective of checking corruption and tackle its malady
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 22 2011: After a thorough discussion, the State Assembly has unanimously passed the Manipur Lokayukta Bill 2011 today.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi tabled the Bill on the last day of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly sessions and sought consent of the Members to pass the Bill with a vision to check corruption in public offices of the State.

Moving the Bill, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that corruption has become a catchword in every public places in Manipur.

Noting that the issue of corruption has become a serious socio-economic malady, Ibobi asserted that checking and abolition of corruption is the foremost wish of the public.

The Bill being produced today was prepared after cross-checking and analysing models of Lokayukta Bills prepared by other States.

The same Bill would cover all public servants starting from those working in the lowest strata to those working in the highest echelons including MLAs, Ministers and the Chief Minister, Ibobi stated.

A draft copy of The Lokpal And Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 as obtained by CNN-IBN : PictureIBN Live

Stating that there might be omissions or commissions or unsuitable words in the Bill and that the same can be amended if the need arises, the Chief Minister urged the Members to pass the Bill.

Noting that the Lokpal Bill is being debated at the Parliament, Ibobi explained that the State Government was waiting for this day to table the Bill in the belief that it would be more appropriate if the State's Lokayukta Bill is made compatible with the Lokpal Bill.

Pointing out that the tenure of the 9th State Assembly is coming to an end, the Chief Minister sough cooperation of the Members to pass the Bill without delay.

Endorsing the Bill, Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam opined that the Bill deserves immediate consent in view of the rising level of corruption in the State.

Observing that the Bill is very complicated and needs thorough examination, Radhabinod said that the Bill would have been referred to the select committee had there been time for this.

As per the Bill, there would be one Chairman and two members for the Lokayukta.

The selection committee would comprise of the Chief Minister, Opposition leader and the Speaker.

If any complaint about corruption is filed against the Chief Minister, the same complaint can be processed if two-third of the House members give their consent.

Even if there are certain obscurities in some portions of the Bill, Radhabinod said that he supports the Bill.

Stating that errors and omissions, if there are any, can be amended later, Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Th Debendra appealed to the House Members to pass the Bill.

Stating that there are certain errors in some portions of the Bill, RK Anand raised reservations to pass the Bill in its present form.

Nevertheless, he maintained that there was no harm in passing the Bill if the errors can be rectified/amended later.

Dr I Ibohalbi asked why Group B and Group C officers are not covered by the Bill while Group A officers have been put under the purview of the Bill.

He also questioned about the possible status of Vigilance Department after the Lokayukta Bill is enacted.

The MLA further said that there are many points/provisions in the Bill which need amendment and addition.

Speaker I Hemochandra opined that the Bill need thorough analysis as it would become a very powerful law once it is turned into an Act.

Later, the House passed the Bill unanimously with all endorsing it.