NGOs, Parrikar press for Lokayukt Bill
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JAN 27
Ahead of state legislative assembly session, various NGOs have chalked out a protest walk on January 30 demanding passing of Lokayukt Bill, which is essential to curb rampant corruption in the state.
Incidentally, the walk is also part of nation-wide campaign against corruption on the day of anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Addressing a press conference at Kala Academy, activists including Dr Venkatesh Hegde, Dr Oscar Rebelo, Kamlesh Bandekar and Arvind Bhatikar today appealed all Goans irrespective of religion, caste, creed and social affiliation to participate in this march and support the movement in the state and the rest of country against corruption.
Goa-based activists have worked out a charter of demands which will be pressed during the march which includes passing of Lokayukt Bill, government employment through Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC) and central vigilance guidelines to be applicable for Goa vigilance commission.
“The march is a part of nationwide agitation against corruption. It has already taken place in 50 cities of the country,” Dr Hegde said.
The march which will be held on Sunday will commence from Azad Maidan to Miramar circle via D Bandodkar marg and back to Azad Maidan via 18 June road.
“The march is not directed against any individual or political party but expresses people’s desire for good governance without corruption,” he said.
The NGO’s under the banner ‘India Against Corruption’ has appealed state government to place the Lokayukta bill before the public and same to be passed by the state legislative assembly.
India against Corruption, Goa unit has already started a signature campaign against corruption across the state which will be later submitted to the respective district collectorates.
The activists will also be forwarding a memorandum to the President of India on steps to be taken to fight corruption in Goa and elsewhere in India.
Meanwhile, a BJP delegation called on Governor Dr S S Sidhu on Thursday and complained about host of issues but mainly about alleged collapse of administration, breakdown of law and order and large scale corruption by the ruling party.
Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar who addressed a press conference post meeting with the Governor alleged that every minister in the Kamat government is involved in corruption. “We want Governor to reply to issues raised by us during his speech in the Assembly,” he said.
A five-day Session of Goa Assembly begins on January 31.
“The State government, its cabinet and their cronies including the office bearers of ruling party are involved in large scale corruption and are all busy plundering the State exchequer,” says Opposition Leader in his letter to the Governor.
Talking about corruption in the government, Parrikar said, the government should have Lokyakuta in place at the earliest. “I would file at least one complaint of corruption against each of the minister,” he said further adding that the State officials who are with corrupt ministers will also not be spared.
“The corruption has touched a zenith in the State as several ministers and their close associates have been raided by income tax authorities in past few months,” he claimed.
“Illegal mining and uncontrolled deforestation, excise scam, diversion of rice and kerosene from PDS in the black, corruption in allotment of SEZ land et al, are some instances corruption has been mentioned in Parrikar’s letter.
Issues that were prominently raised in their memorandum include law and order — rising thefts, police-drug dealer nexus, misuse of power etc. The BJP has demanded immediate corrective steps from Governor.
