Karnataka Lokayukta
Karnataka Lokayukta is the ombudsman institution of the Indian state of Karnataka. It was established in 1984 to investigate and report on corruption in the Government of Karnataka and to redress public grievances related to state government employees.[1] This Lokayukta considered as the strongest Lokayukta in the country.[2]
Background
In 1996, a report by the Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the setting up of Lokpal in the centre and Lokayukta in the states, for the redressal of citizen's grievances.[3] Therefore, Maharastra established its Lokayukta in 1971. Ramakrishna Hegde, then Chief Minister of Karnataka introduced Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta bill in the assembly as their 1983 election promise.[4] It came into force through The Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984. Then, Mysore State Vigilance Commission which formed in 1965 to investigate corruption cases in the state was abolished. The pending cases before the commission was transferred to the newly formed Lokayukta.[5][1]
Lokayukta
Appointment and powers
As per the Lokayukta act, Lokayukta means the person appointed as the Lokayukta (i.e. the institution and the head of the institution have the same name), who either held the office of a Judge of the Supreme Court of India or that of the Chief Justice of a High Court in any states of India.[1] The Lokayukta appointed by the Governor of Karnataka on advice of Chief Minister of Karnataka in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka, the Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council, the Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council and the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.[1] The Lokayukta has the power to investigate Chief Minister, all other Ministers and Members of the State Legislature and all state government employees.[1]
Former Lokayuktas
The term of office of the Lokayukta is five years and former Lokayuktas listed below:[6]
| Name of the Lokayukta | In office |
|---|---|
| A.D. Kaushal | 1986–1991 |
| Rabindranath Pyne | 1991–1996 |
| Abdul Hakim | 1996–2001 |
| N. Venkatachala | 2001–2006 |
| Santosh Hegde | 2006 – June 2010 |
| Shivaraj Patil | July 2011 – September 2011 |
The present Lokayukta is Y. Bhaskar Rao since February 2013.[7]
Investigation
In 2011, Santosh Hegde submitted a report on illegal mining in the state which reported loss of Rs 160.85 billion to the state.[8] This report exposed the biggest mining scam in India.[9] This report led to the resignation of B. S. Yeddyurappa, then Chief Minister of Karnataka, from the post.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "The Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984". Government of Karnataka. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
- ↑ "Most lokayukta offices lack basic infrastructure : Special Report". India Today. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
- ↑ Laxmikanth. Governance in India. McGraw-Hill Education (India) Pvt Limited. pp. 5–. ISBN 978-0-07-107466-7.
- ↑ Preeti Dilip Pohekar (2010). A Study of Ombudsman System in India with Special Reference to Lokayukta in Maharashtra. Gyan Publishing House. pp. 130–. ISBN 978-81-212-1055-3.
- ↑ K V Ramani; Dileep V Mavalankar; Dipti Govil (11 June 2008). Strategic Issues and Challenges in Health Management. SAGE Publications. pp. 76–. ISBN 978-0-7619-3654-1.
- ↑ S. Rajendran (20 September 2011). "Uncongenial atmosphere forced decision: Patil". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
- ↑ Sudipto Mondal (14 February 2013). "Bhaskar Rao is Karnataka Lokayukta". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
- ↑ "Illegal Mining Loss Rs 16,085 Cr: Karnataka Lokayukta". News.outlookindia.com. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
- ↑ "Guess the biggest scam India has seen! – Rediff.com India News". News.rediff.com. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
- ↑ "BBC News – Karnataka 'mining scam' leader Yeddyurappa quits". Bbc.co.uk. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2014.