Goa Speaker angry over Lok Ayukta Bill delay

Panaji, Nov 17 (IBNS) Goa Assembly speaker Pratapsingh Rane on Wednesday said that ‘jealously and worries’ of a few politicians and bureaucrats have inordinately delayed the actual execution of Lok Ayukta Bill.

“I had tabled two Bills, both of which are pending although they were passed by the Assembly. The reason is that some people, including bureaucrats and some politicians are jealous,” Rane said here at a function.

The speaker elaborated that the Lok Ayukta Bill was passed in 2007, but, some people are trying to ‘kill it’ delaying its actual formation.

The Lok Ayukta is an anti-corruption government organization at the state level authorized to investigate public servants accused of maladministration and graft.

“Right from Chief Minister to a Speaker and everybody comes under the scrutiny after the Bill is enforced as one has to declare its finances or assets,” he said adding that “we are using public funds and utmost transparency is required”.

“But till date nobody has been appointed to execute the duty. They are trying to kill,” he commented.

Rane, who has over 13 years of experience in politics, cited example of rift among some Goa Police Service and Indian Police Service officials, who are also reluctant to get the bill in place hence blocking its formation.

The senior legislator also expressed his opinion that a Central Committee should appoint a qualified Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) who has thorough experience of auditing and accounting functions.

“A committee of Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chairman of PAC should together appoint a qualified CAG,” he said adding that he will present his views for the new parliament Bill when it comes for public suggestion..

CAG is presently appointed by the President. He stated that a new bill in the Parliament is being introduced and if it is kept for public suggestion, he would give his opinion.

“Functioning of Government machinery or for that matter any establishment should be transparent. We need to see governance at the optimum level and funds being properly utilized,” he said.

-By Mark Rocha

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