- DIMAPUR— A group of social activists in Nagaland has
petitioned the governor, seeking urgent intervention to address critical
structural and functional deficiencies hindering the effective operation of the
Lokayukta, the state’s only statutory anti-corruption institution.
- In their representation, the activists highlighted a series
of systemic issues that undermine the Lokayukta's purpose and credibility
despite its establishment over six years ago.
- The petition, backed by information obtained through the
Right to Information (RTI) Act, details a litany of problems including lack of
essential police powers, the government's failure to frame crucial rules under
the Lokayukta Act, and inadequate staffing and funding.
- It stated that although a Nagaland Lokayukta Police Station
was established after the dissolution of the Vigilance Commission, the
government has yet to grant statutory police powers, preventing the institution
from independently investigating, collecting evidence, and making arrests—fundamental
functions for combating corruption.
- The activists pointed out the disparity between Nagaland's
situation, where the Lokayukta operates alone, and other states where both
Lokayukta and Vigilance wings coexist and function independently.
- Furthermore, they identified the government's failure to
frame and notify rules under the Lokayukta Act as another major impediment.
“These Rules are foundational to the Lokayukta’s operation and are essential
for lawful implementation of its powers.
- “We urge your office to ensure that these Rules are framed
and notified without further delay,” it read.
- According to the group, the lack of service rules for the
Lokayukta, Upa-Lokayukta, and staff is also creating irregularities and
compromising the institution's autonomy. This has resulted in unclear tenures,
lack of a proper service structure, and potential administrative dependence,
contrasting sharply with other states where well-defined service conditions
support institutional integrity, they stated.
- The petition also highlighted inadequate staffing and
structural gaps in the administrative section, crippling the Lokayukta's
ability to function effectively.
- The activists claimed that multiple proposals for the
creation and upgradation of posts have been ignored, leaving the administrative
section critically understaffed and without a proper administrative hierarchy.
- They claimed that the Lokayukta has been misplaced under the
Nagaland Rules of Executive Business. They argued that the Lokayukta, as a
quasi-judicial statutory authority, should function independently of the
executive branch.
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- Its placement under the Rules of Executive Business
compromises its autonomy and contradicts its intended independent status, they
stated.
- The activists also pointed out inadequate fund allotment for
essential operational expenses, including office expenses and motor vehicle
maintenance, leading to the office operating on credit and leaving essential
reimbursements unpaid.
- They noted the large sums of money, totaling INR 42 lakhs
over two years, spent on litigation defending legal challenges against the
Lokayukta's authority, draining resources and hindering its progress.
- “We respectfully suggest that necessary amendments to the
Nagaland Lokayukta Act be considered to clarify and strengthen the
institution’s powers, thereby minimising scope for frivolous or obstructive
legal action and protecting the integrity of its decisions,” it stated and
asserted that the future of transparency and accountability in Nagaland, hinges
on the governor's timely action.
