Introduction to Lokayukta
The State of Maharashtra became the first state to introduce the institution of Lokayukta in the year 1971 through the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta act which aimed at appointing a person on state level who would look after the grievances of the public regarding corruption in the administrative system.
What is Lokayukta?
The Lokayukta is an authority at state level which deals with corruption and mal-admistration complaints made by the general public. This authority is constituted for a quicker redressal of public grievances. The concept of Lokayukta traces back to the ombudsman in Scandinavian countries.
The Lokayukta is put into power when the Lokayukta act is passed in the state and works for the State governments and addresses the complaints of the people living in the state. The complaints can be against the integrity and efficiency of the government or its administration which includes the people working in the government sector. The complaints can also be regarding any corruption faced by the people from the government administration.
To address these serious issues a well-qualified and reputed person, generally a former high court chief justice or a former Supreme Court judge, is appointed as the Lokayukta and this person once appointed cannot be dismissed or transferred by the government. The creation of Lokpal at the centre and Lokayukta at the state level was suggested by the Administrative Reforms commission in the year 1966; after which the first Lokpal act was passed in the year 1971 in the state of Maharashtra.
The Lokayukta has a fixed tenure and has to make sure to perform the given functions independently and impartially. The general public can directly approach this lokayukta with complaints against corruption, nepotism or defects in administration. These complaints can be against any government official who has been involved in such corrupt activities.
