Goa House passes Lokayukta Bill 2011

PANAJI: After long-drawn deliberations, the State Legislative Assembly finally passed the ' Goa Lokayukta Bill 2011,' which empowers the ombudsman to even investigate the Chief Minister.

The Bill, which was put up for reconsideration and passing on the floor of the House, was unanimously accorded sanction by all the legislators yesterday.Congress legislator Agnelo Fernandes tabled the Bill, which was passed after a brief discussion.

The current bill is an amended version of Goa Lokayukta Bill 2003, which could not clear the scrutiny of the Centre.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said it will now be sent for the President's assent and there should not be much difficulty in getting it through as all the objections raised during the earlier Bill are satisfied in the new one.

The Bill mentions that Lokayukta's term would be for three years and he would be appointed by the Governor on the advice of Chief Minister in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court and the Leader of Opposition.

Lokayukta or Upa-Lokayukta, according to the Bill, shall not be removed from his office except by an order of Governor passed after an address by the State Legislative Assembly supported by majority of the House.

The Lokayukta can investigate the complaint suo moto or on complaint made to him. The Bill mentions that after preliminary inquiry, if Lokayukta finds that there are reasonable grounds for detailed investigation, he should forward the complaint to the government and competition authority.