Toothless Tripura Lokayukta is now become spineless, Manik re-appoints Justice Sarkar for another year, may be extended his term one more year based on Sarkar’s satisfaction
TIWN
AGARTALA, February 19 (TIWN): Left front government in Tripura has re-defined democracy by its action and now it is in practice – Manik’s democracy is for the corrupts by the corrupts and of the corrupts. It is exposed once again that insulting the position and dominating all the stature gives him immense pleasure – whatever be the consequence and sufferings of the commoners. Manik Sarkar again proved his domination by bringing Tripura Lokayukta, anti-corruption watchdog under his contractual service by amending Tripura Lokayukta for the second time in the assembly. Lokayukta is having the status of a High court judge and in sprit he is independent in his action to contain corruption in the state but it is reverse in the state. Lokayukta is also under the obligation and disposal of Manik Sarkar. Lokayukta will watch the corruption as per will and wish of Chief Minister.By amending the Lokayukta Act on Wednesday, Manik Sarkar made ‘toothless Lokayukta into a virtual spineless Lokayukta’. Amendment was all about re-appointment of incumbent Lokayukta Justice (Retd) P K Sarkar for another one year with a provision for extension of service for another year, if government wants.
“This is not only illegal and insult to the institution like Lokayukta, it’s a desperate decision of Manik Sarkar to make it a spineless watchdog under his supervision,” alleged an opposition MLA, doesn’t want to be quoted.
As per the Act, Lokayukta is appointed for the term of three years through collegiums and there is no provision of re-appointment. Re-appointment of Lokayukta for two years in two separate occasions instead of amending the provision of Lokayukta’s term of office to five years is a clear attempt to control its functioning.
“It is clearly a politically motivated move of ruling party to keep Lokayukta under their obligations. It sets a bad precedence in India by left front government of Tripura by re-appointing Lokayukta for one year with a provision to extend for another year based on the circumstance or his performance. It is an attempt to control functioning of Lokayukta,” alleged opposition MLAs.
The state government by Act itself has made Lokayukta ‘toothless’. In no case in past three years, the state government took action against any of the corrupt officials despite direction from the Lokayukta in more than 20 cases.
In one case, Principal Secretary of Chief Minister Sarkar wrote to Lokayukta stating disagreement in according sanction for investigation against officers of education department including its secretary accused of corruption. In four other cases, government had sponsored the officials accused of corruption in Lokayukta to fight against it in High Court.
They alleged by actions since 2011, Chief Minister Sarkar holding the portfolio of Administrative Reform department proved that his government is negotiating with corrupt officers and abet them instead of punishment.
Because of nexus between ruling party leaders and corrupt officers in the administration, the functioning of State Vigilance Department is also badly affected. 80% of the corrupt officials are getting shelter from the party in power and the ministers.
Despite the provision in Lokayukta Act, the state government did not table a single report of the performance of Lokayukta in three years. Because, in not a single case of corruption established in Lokayukta in initial inquiry was punished in the state. Either the state government prevented Lokayukta in investigation or recommendation of the Lokayukta kept in abeyance or funding the corrupt officer from state ex-chequar to appeal the Lokayukta order in high court.
Apart from Lokayukta, in past three years as many as 126 corruption cases were registered in different police stations of the state where 58 government officials are accused of corrupt practice, Sarkar informed the house.
Tripura Lokayukta Justice P.K. Sarkar at office. TIWN File Photo
Not only, in Lokayukta even in the departmental enquiry also government always shifted their allegiance towards accused corrupt officials who are looting public money and sharing it to ruling party leaders by cash and kinds.
Sanjay Majumder
Anirban Mitra