Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Aug 4: The state government will soon be tabling a modified act that arms it with powers to suspend government officials who are prima facie found guilty during Lokayukta raids. This step is being resorted to, as the Lokayukta is unhappy over the fact that only a handful of over 80 guilty officials it had booked during various raids since the last two years have faced suspension.
Some of such guilty officials have got promotions while others continue to function in their posts. At present, the government has the power to suspend officials who are caught red-handed while accepting bribes and not those who face charges of amassing wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income. Because of the loopholes in the present laws, the guilty officials continued to work, getting abundant opportunity to twist facts and amend records to go scot-free later. The government is also seen to be hesitating to permit the Lokayukta police to file charge sheets against corrupt officials in courts, whenever approached for such permission. Some of the officials, who are charged, have also applied for voluntary retirement, fearing action against them. They also reportedly feel that getting retirement and entering into politics will free them from fear of legal action.
During the Governor's rule, the Lokayukta had explained these aspects to him and succeeded in bringing out an amendment to the Act after discussing with the ministry officials. A draft of the amendment was published on April 21 this year. The general public was given three months time to file objections. Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, in a written reply to a point raised by MLA Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli in the assembly, had said that the government will take a suitable decision after receiving the objections and suggestions from the public.
In the meantime, the Lokayukta had strongly recommended to the government to enact the draft law, as three months time given has elapsed. Sources said that Lokayukta plans to write a letter in this regard, to the chief minister. If the draft amendment becomes law, many of the senior police officers, motor vehicle inspectors, superintendent engineers, sub-registrars, commercial tax officers etc., will face the axe. Many IAS officers like Dr V Chandrashekhar, N K Baladevakrishna, Dr Babu Rao Moodabi, IFS officer Dr Rajshekhar, the then DCRE chief B P Heraje, KAS officaer R Rameshappa and several other senior and junior officials will face immediate suspension.
Sources say that the bureaucracy is making all out efforts to block the proposed act from becoming law. They have now been able to exert their influence, after the popular government took over reins of the state from the Governor, they point out.