PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant informed House that the amendments to the Goa Lokayukta Act have been carried out for the smooth functioning of the ombudsman body.
In a written reply submitted on the Floor of the House, Sawant said that the need for amendment arose as it was difficult to get retired Chief Justices of High Court and retired judges of Supreme Court for appointing them as Lokayukta.
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He ruled out that the charge that the government intends to weaken the institution through these amendments.
The Chief Minister was responding to the Question tabled by the Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat who sought to know whether the recent amendments made to the Goa Lokayukta Act will weaken the powers of the Lokayukta.
Responding in negative Sawant said that all amendments, which have been carried out to the Act are for the smooth functioning of the Lokayukta Institution.
“The Government amended Goa Lokayukta Act, 2011 as it was difficult to get retired Chief Justices of High Court and retired judges of Supreme Court for appointing as Lokayukta and therefore Section 3 Sub-section 2 was amended so that Judge of Supreme Court or retired Judge of High Court could be appointed as Lokayukta,” the Chief Minister told the House.
