ITANAGAR, March 5 � The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the Lokayukta Bill by voice vote after a long discussion, paving the way for constitution of Lokayukta on the lines of the Central Act, with the provision of keeping the Chief Minister, other Ministers, MLAs, heads of Panchayats and Municipalities, Trusts and public servants under the purview of a six-member anti-corruption panel.
Participating in the discussion on the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta Bill 2014, which was tabled by him on the opening day of the three-day budget session, on Tuesday, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said as per section 63, under part-III, of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 enacted recently by the Parliament it was mandatory for all the States to establish a Lokayukta within one year of its passing in December 2013.
Since the government has �zero tolerance against corruption�, he said, an attempt has been made to bring about a strong Lokayukta on the lines of Centre�s anti-corruption Act. He exuded hope that it would help promote transparency and good governance in the State.
The State�s Lokayukta Bill consisting of 59 clauses would be a strong tool to check corruption in the State, Tuki pointed out.
Appreciating the government�s latest move, BJP member Dr Tangor Tapak, said, �Today is going to be a historic day for Arunachal Pradesh with the passage of the Bill. I am of the firm belief that the Bill will certainly help to curb corruption to a large extent.�
While Congress members JK Panggeng and Bamang Felix besides Dr Tapak suggested to constitute a committee to examine some of the key aspects of the Bill before being passed, the Chief Minister requested them to let the Bill be passed and assured them to make necessary amendments in near future.
The Lokayukta would consist of a chairperson, who should be a judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court, two members, out of whom one should be judicial member, at least two members should be from Arunachal Scheduled Tribe and one member should be a woman. The chairperson and members of Lokayukta shall be appointed by the Governor after obtaining recommendations from a Selection Committee consisting of the Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court and Chief Secretary.
