Is J&K ready for a Lokayukta?
by Tahima Qazmi August 29, 2011
By Tahima Qazmi
Jammu, Aug 28: With Parliament agreeing in principle for setting up of Lokayukta in the all the states on the pattern of Lokpal in the Center, the stage has been set for setting up of this anti corruption statutory body in the states; but shall, Jammu and Kashmir which enjoys special status under Section 370 of the Indian constitution agree to set up a Lokayukta here is a million dollar question.
Jammu and Kashmir has been voted as the second most corrupt state in the country after Bihar and the people here have been victims of worst forms of bureaucratic redtapeism, and slow pace and poor quality of development triggered by corruption, yet despite loud war cries by successive chief ministers to root out corruption from the system, the fact of the matter is, that over a thousand cases of corruption have been pending against politicians including sitting and former ministers and bureaucrats in State Accountability commission. But before the commission could do anything substantial in these case, it was strangulated for years before it got a fresh lease of life recently.
The fact that many officers facing serious charges of corruption have been given lucrative postings in our state has raised a serious question mark on the intentions of the government with regards to rooting out corruption from the state and also its intentions in giving a nod to setting up of Lokayukta here.
However, Anna Hazare's recent agitation has imbibed confidence in the youth that if they stood in conviction, they can make the governments give in. Amrita, a law student said, "Appointment of Lokyukta in J&K with powers to book and punish all those indulging in corrupt practices, including the Ministers and all the bureaucrats as become imperative given the level of corruption here".
Talking to KI Vice president PDP Rangeel Singh said, "Corruption specifically in our state is spreading like fire in which no one will survive; implementation of Lokyukta is the need of an hour. Lack of work culture, crime and delayed justice are offshoots of corruption.
MLA National Panther's Party Harsh Dev Singh said, "It had become vital to raise a voice against such deep penetrated sin known as corruption and Anna Hazare is one of the rebellious and revolutionary 74 year old social activist who took the first step towards curbing such a sin. We all are with him and support his mission to spread light among the people to fight against corruption". "An Empowered Lokayukta in Jammu and Kashmir would be welcome" he lamented.
National Executive Member and senior BJP leader Nirmal Singh said that government should establish the law as soon as possible to prove its concern about the menace of corruption. "In Jammu and Kashmir, it is dire need of the hour to put in place a strong Lokayukta" he added.
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