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Mizoram House passes Lokayukta Bill

By The Assam Tribune

AIZAWL, Nov 13 � The State Assembly today passed the Mizoram Lokayukta Bill, 2014, which was introduced by Law Minister Lalsawta.

While opposition members slammed the Bill as �toothless� and �ineffective� in combating corruption, the ruling Congress members contended that it was one of the best Lokayukta Bills in the country.

Lalsawta said that the drafting committee took many suggestions from the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, regarded as one of the best Acts in the country.

According to the Mizoram Lokayukta Bill, all public servants including the Chief Minister were within the ambit of the Lokayukta and a separate Investigating Directorate would be set up under it.

While a provision for protection of the whistle-blower was incorporated in the Bill, there was a scope for punishment of those who file false or frivolous or vexatious complaints to the Lokayukta.

An anti-corruption watchdog � People�s Right to Information and Development Society of Mizoram (PRISM) � slammed the Bill and earlier urged the Speaker to prevent its passage in the Assembly.

PRISM president Vanlalruata described the Bill as toothless which would encourage corruption rather than punishing the corrupt people.

The House also ratified the 121st Amendment Bill, 2014 to the Constitution as passed by both houses of the Parliament.

The State legislature ratified the Constitutional Amendment Bill by unanimously adopting an official resolution moved by State Law Minister Lalsawta.

The amendment was for setting up of the National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014 by amending Article 124 and 217 of the Constitution.

Deputy Speaker R Lalrinawma, who presided over the discussion on the official resolution explained that the 121st amendment bill would become the 99th amendment to the Constitution after the President gives his assent. � PTI

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