By Sudarsan Maharana
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: A day after the President gave his assent to the Lokayukta bill, speculation is rife as to who in the state will be appointed to the ombudsman’s post. The Lokayukta will be a six-member panel with its chairman to be either a sitting or former high court judge or an expert with over 20 years of experience in the fields of law, administration and ombudsman.
Besides, the panel would comprise at least two judicial members. From among three non-judicial members one would be a woman or a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or a member of the minority community on a rotation basis. The Lokaykta chief should be at least 50. He or she will hold office for five years from the date of assuming office or until he attains the age of 70 whichever is earlier.The institution has become a cynosure for all in the state because of the power that it will possess. As per the Act, the Chief Minister as well as former Chief Ministers, ministers, MLAs, government officers, heads of panchayats and municipalities and trusts receiving government grants will come under its purview. All persons and organisations dealing with government money will also be covered by it.
The Lokayukta probing corruption cases will be empowered to attach properties of the guilty for a period of 90 days. Special courts will be set up for trial of such cases. Besides confiscation of properties, the Lokayukta may recommend to the state government for transfer and suspension of any public servant.
Law minister Arun Kumar Sahoo said, “The Act has been formed. Now rules will be framed. After receiving direction from the President, the Governor will direct the state government. The state government will initiate the process to frame rules for its functioning. It will also set up a selection committee following which the procedure of appointment for chairperson would begin.”
The provision says the Lokayukta will be chosen by a selection committee headed by the Chief Minister and comprising others like the Leader of Opposition, Speaker, Chief Justice of Orissa High Court or a judge nominated by him and an eminent jurist nominated by the Governor. The chairman of the Lokayukta would be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the selection committee.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the Lokayukta will bring in greater transparency in all fields including administration . “I am glad that the President has given his assent to the Lokayukta bill in Orissa. Our state is a pioneering state as far as this is concerned,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra (Congress) said, “There must be consent of all members of the selection committee while appointing the Lokayukta to maintain transparency.”
