Lokpal alone cannot check graft: UP Lokayukta

BAREILLY(UP): Stating that 22 ministers and 28 MLAs in Uttar Pradesh, most of them from the ruling BSP are facing "serious corruption" charges, state Lokayukta Justice N K Mehrotra today said that the institution of Lokpal alone cannot check graft.

"22 ministers, including senior minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui and 28 MLAs faced serious charges and most of them are members of the ruling BSP," Justice Mehrotra said.

Justice Mehrotra advocated bringing Prime Minister and Chief Minister under the Lokpal, though he said that it (Lokpal) alone cannot check corruption.

"However, Lokpal alone cannot check corruption though it has created an atmosphere against it and this is a very positive development," Justice Mehrotra said.

Rooting for a strong Lokayukta in Uttar Pradesh on the lines of Karnataka, Justice Mehrotra alleged that there was corruption in the field of education besides there was massive misuse of funds in the name of development of rural areas and so higher education, gram pradhans and aided schools should also be brought under the Lokayukta.

Education department is neck deep in corruption and admissions and results are being given on bribe and this is a dangerous trend for the future of children, he said.

He said that serious charges have also been levelled against the principal secretary home, Fateh Bahadur Singh and director general of state police Brij Lal and the latter has also given his reply on some of them.

The Lokayukta regretted that though five ministers have been removed from ministry following inquiries but neither the land grabbed by them has been freed, nor cases have been registered against them.