TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: It’s over one and half month now since Goa’s first Lokayukta Justice (retired) Sudarshan Reddy resigned from the post, with Manohar Parrikar-led government not showing any hurry in appointing a new Lokayukta.
The ombudsman body is sitting on some high profile cases such as illegal mining, recruitment scams, investigation of which have currently come to a standstill and which could have serious implications for several former Congress leaders.
Sources at the Secretariat confirmed that so far there has been no discussion by chief minister over the appointment of a new Lokayukta. It is learnt that the government might initiate fresh process for the appointment of Lokayukta, then selecting the name from the list that was short-listed by a three-member panel headed by Advocate General, earlier this year.
Justice B Sudershan Reddy’s name was also short-listed by the committee. Reddy had resigned, citing personal reasons, within seven months of taking over the position in October.
“Government is currently busy with several major issues like mining, law and order, financial crunch and others…this might take some time,” an official said.
The much hyped anti-corruption agency is now non-functional.
“I am not in hurry to appoint Lokayukta. Let me find the right person first. I cannot appoint anyone. He has to be a retired justice of Supreme Court or High Court,” Parrikar had told media persons, earlier. It is also interesting to note that social activists, who lashed out at BJP government for delay in appointing the first Lokayukta, now seem to be silent on the issue.
The resignation of Reddy has left investigation into as many as 17 cases, pending before the anti-corruption ombudsman in the State. Lokayukta office confirms that the entire functioning has got a setback with cases pending.
Lokayukta received its first complaint on April 5 against Chief Minister for misusing his power as chairman of Goa State Planning Board. The very second case challenged Reddy’s appointment as Lokayukta. The other pending cases include, illegal mining scam, recruitment scam in agriculture and health departments, dual citizenship amongst others.
