Calls for revoking Sec 32-A of Nagaland Lokayukta Act which gives ‘overriding and sweeping powers’ to Chief Minister
Dimapur, DECEMBER 7 (MExN): The ACAUT Nagaland has called for zero tolerance against corruption. Its media cell issued a press release today stating that corruption has not only rendered Nagaland’s socio-economic but also the moral fabric in ruins with ill-gotten wealth considered a blessing.
“Corruption is deep rooted and pervasive, crippling everything and has become an accepted norm” and reversing the trend would require the state taking drastic measures and a “zero tolerance” stance on corruption, stated the release.
It stated that certain measures, including empowering the Lokayukta, must be adopted. In order for this to happen, it demanded that a provision (Section 32-A) in the Nagaland Lokayukta Act be revoked. The section states, “In all case where there are difficulties experienced in the implementation of this Act, provisions in this Act and the rules made there under shall be relaxed to the extent desirable by the Chief Minister.”
The ACAUT maintained that it gives “overriding and sweeping powers to the Chief Minister to selectively choose corruption related cases for exemption and investigation” defeating its very purpose.
It also demanded that the Nagaland Lokayukta be empowered to select the Upa-Lokayukta “so that he may have his team to take on the difficult task of tackling corruption in Nagaland.”
Further, it pointed to a close-knit social fabric or relations of Nagaland that often compromises investigation into corruption cases. Overcoming this challenge would require a composite Lokayukta Police cadre with officers drawn from the CBI and paramilitary forces “to conduct covert operations and raids without being compromised,” it added.
