Institutional arrangements necessary for Fighting corruption: Lok Satta

Even as it welcomed the Central Vigilance Commission’s national strategy against corruption including attachment of benami properties, the Lok Satta Party today took exception to the appointment of a controversial person as the Central Vigilance Commissioner.

Talking to the media, party leaders V. Vijayender Reddy and Eda Chennayya said the Union Government had gone ahead with the appointment brushing aside BJP’s objection. The Commissioner in his earlier incarnation as Telecom Secretary had opposed an inquiry into the Rs.70,000-crore 2G scam, the BJP pointed out. He, therefore, lacks credibility in carrying on a fight against corruption, the Lok Satta leaders said.

The Lok Satta leaders said that political corruption is the most serious menace the country is facing. There should be institutional arrangements to go into allegations of corruption against all elected representatives and officials, who connive with them. A Lok Pal or a Rashtriya Lokayukta could be constituted at the national level to inquire into corruption charges against all elected representatives barring the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and higher judiciary but including Chief Ministers. A similar institution should be created at the State level and all agencies dealing with corruption be brought under its purview.

The Lok Satta leaders demanded that a law be enacted providing for attachment of properties during investigation and their seizure once guilt is proved in a corruption case. Swift and sure punishment of the corrupt through constitution of special courts in every district will bring corruption under control.

The Lok Satta Party, they revealed, is planning a national-level movement against corruption in association with sincere and committed officials and civic society organizations.