->AS Sayyad at 07:35, 11 November 2021

2021-11-11T07:35:00Z

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{{Short description|Anti-corruption ombudsman organization in the Indian states}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2017}}
The '''Lokayukta''' (also '''Lok Ayukta''') ( ''lokāyukta'', ''"civil commissioner"'') is the Indian [[Parliamentary Ombudsman]], executed into power, through and for, each of the [[States and union territories of India|State]] Governments of [[India]]. It is brought into effect in a state, after passing the Lokayukta Act in respective state Legislature and a person of reputable background is nominated to the post. The post is created to quickly address grievances against the working integrity and efficiency of the government or its administration (public servants). Once appointed, Lokayukta
cannot be dismissed or transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly, making it a powerful deterrent against corruption and mal-administration of the governing system.<ref name="About Lokayukta">{{cite web |last1=Editor |first1=Insights |title=Lokayukta |url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/08/25/lokayukta/ |website=INSIGHTSIAS |access-date=16 July 2021 |date=25 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lokayukta.kar.nic.in |title=Karnataka Lokayukta|access-date= 2010-06-24 |publisher=[[National Informatics Center]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lokayukta.kar.nic.in/acts.htm |title=Karnataka Anti-Corruption Laws (Acts)|access-date= 2010-06-24 |publisher=[[National Informatics Center]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/karnataka-speaker-accepts-impeachment-motion-against-lokayukta/ | title= Karnataka: Speaker accepts impeachment motion against Lokayukta | date=24 November 2015 | newspaper=The Indian Express | access-date=13 March 2019 }}</ref>

The Administrative Reform Commission for Redressal of Citizen's Grievances submitted its interim report to the [[Prime Minister]] in October,1966<ref name="Lokayukta Ref1" /> with recommendations to set up the Institution of Lokayukta in each of the States to investigate complaints against administrative actions and to improve the standard of public administration in India through investigation of complaints against administrative actions, which includes complaints of corruption, favouritism and indiscipline as other existing systems to handle these issues, namely courts, departmental authorities and other avenues were not sufficient to deal with issues of corruption other malpractices by public servants and therefore, an alternative and efficient system machinery was needed. In 1968, the [[Government of India]] on the basis of the Administrative Reforms Commission report and its recommendation established the institution of Lokayukta on the pattern of the Ombudsman Institution and introduced a Bill which provided for appointment of [[Lokpal|Lok-Pal]] and his deputies at National level and included Lokayukta for the States. Though the bill passed in the [[Lok Sabha]](Higher House) it could not be passed in the [[Rajya Sabha]](Lower House). However, the Bill formed the basis of legislation in [[States and union territories of India|several States]] for the creation of Lokayukta and the provisions of the Lokayukta Acts varied from one State to another. As a result of this, resolutions were adopted in the 1st All India Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Conference held in [[Shimla]], to keep a uniformity in the provisions of various Acts of the states and the same was reiterated in the All India Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Conference held in [[Bhopal]] on 9th and 10 October 2010. As it was resolved that uniformity in the Acts of all the States is necessary and hence it was planned that this would be feasible only by a Central Legislation.

Naresh Kadyan moved public interest litigation before High Court and then contempt of court order petition for not appointing Lokayukta in Haryana.
The [[Administrative Reforms Commission]] (ARC) headed by [[Morarji Desai]] submitted a special interim report on "Problems of Redressal of Citizen's Grievances" in 1966. In this report, the ARC recommended the setting up of two special authorities designated as '[[Lokpal]]' and 'Lokayukta' for the redressal of citizens' grievances.

The Lokayukta, along with the [[Income Tax Department]] and the Anti Corruption Bureau, mainly helps people publicise corruption among the Politicians and Government [[Officials]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-watchdog-without-teeth/639851/0|title=A watchdog without teeth |date=29 June 2010 |access-date= 2010-06-30 |publisher=[[Indian Express]]}}</ref> Many acts of the LokAyukta have resulted in criminal or other consequences for those charged.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_fed-up-with-corruption-karnataka-lokayukta-santosh-hegde-resigns_1400381 |title=Fed up with corruption, Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde resigns|access-date= 2010-06-24 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=23 June 2010}}</ref>

[[Maharashtra]] was the first [[States of India|state]] to introduce the institution of Lokayukta through ''The Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act in 1971''.<ref name="Maharashtra Lokayukta Brief">{{cite web |title=Lokayukta |url=https://lokayukta.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Home/Index.aspx |website=lokayukta.maharashtra.gov.in |access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maharashtra yet to implement 2013 Lokayukta Act: RTI |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maharashtra-yet-to-implement-2013-lokayukta-act-rti/articleshow/50255646.cms |access-date=11 July 2021 |publisher=The Economic Times |date=20 December 2015}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} This was followed by similar acts that were enacted by the states of [[Odisha]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Bihar]], [[Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta|Uttar Pradesh]], [[Karnataka Lokayukta|Karnataka]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Gujarat]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and the union territory of [[Delhi]]. Powers of Lokayukta in each state are different and efforts are being made to make them uniform.

== Appointment ==
The Lokayukta is appointed by the [[Governor]] of the [[State and union territory|State]], through nomination by its [[Chief Minister]] (in consensus with [[Chief justice]] of the State [[High Court]], [[Leader of the Opposition|Leaders of the Opposition]] in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] of the [[Legislative Assembly]] and Chairman of the Legislative Council). Once appointed, Lokayukta can not be dismissed nor transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly.<ref name="About Lokayukta"/> Any person who is a judge or a retired Chief Justice or a retired judge of the High Court is eligible to be appointed as Lokayukta.<ref>{{cite news |title=Decks for appointment of Lokayukta cleared |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/decks-for-appointment-of-lokayukta-cleared/article28726500.ece |access-date=26 August 2021 |work=The Hindu |date=27 July 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

== History ==
{| class="wikitable collapsible"

! Timeline !! Sequence of Events

|-
| 1963 || Concept was first considered during a parliamentary discussion on budgetary allocation for the Law ministry.<ref name="Lokpal History">{{cite news |last1=Deepalakshmi |first1=K. |title=The long wait for a Lokpal |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-lokpal-bill/article18254568.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=16 July 2021 |language=en-IN |date=27 April 2017}}</ref>

|-
| 1966 || [[Administrative Reforms Commission]] headed by Late [[Morarji Desai|Shri.Morarji Desai]] gives its first report on the problems of addressing citizens' grievances against the administration. The report recommends the establishment of the Lokayukta and the Lokpal institutions at the State and the Central Governments to investigate grievances against the governments and public servants. It also recommends that it act as an independent entity.<ref name="History of Lokayukta Act">{{cite web |title=Karnataka Lokayukta, Government of Karnataka |url=https://lokayukta.kar.nic.in/ |website=lokayukta.kar.nic.in |access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="Lokpal History"/>

|-
| 1968 || Lokpal Bill first introduced into the parliament but is not passed. (Eight more unsuccessful attempts were made between 1968 and 2011). <br> The State of Orissa passed the bill, but is able to establish this post only later in 1983.<ref name="Lokpal History"/><ref name="Maharashtra Lokayukta Brief"/>

|-
| 1971 || Maharashtra passes the bill in its assembly successfully.<ref name="Maharashtra Lokayukta Brief"/>

|-
| 1972 || Maharashtra implements this post, bringing it into effect on '''25 October 1972''', becoming the first ever government in India to establish the Lokayukta.<ref name="Maharashtra Lokayukta Brief"/>

|-
| 1983 || [[Orissa]] establishes the office of the Lokayukta (Act passed in 1971).<ref name="Maharashtra Lokayukta Brief"/> <br>Few other states follow

|-
| 2002 || [[M. N. Venkatachaliah]] heads a commission recommending the appointment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas; The commission also recommends that the PM be kept out of its authority.<ref name="Lokpal History"/>

|-
| 2005 || The second [[Administrative Reforms Commission]] headed by [[Veerappa Moily]], presses for establishing Lokpal without delay.<ref name="Lokpal History"/>

|-
| 2011 || [[Anna Hazare]] leads India's [[2011 Indian anti-corruption movement|anti corruption movement]] demanding that the Indian Government immediately address the issue of corruption. Presses for a Lokpal.<ref name="Anna Hazare leads Anti Corruption stir">{{cite web |last1=Khanna |first1=Anuja,Pretika |title=Anti-corruption movement a watershed moment in India |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/anti-corruption-movement-a-watershed-moment-in-india-11576199569995.html |website=mint |access-date=17 July 2021 |language=en |date=13 December 2019}}</ref> <br>
Government forms a committee of Ministers headed by [[Pranab Mukherjee]] to examine the Lokpal bill and make recommendations for its implementation.<ref name="Lokpal History"/>

|-
| 2013 || Lokpal Bill passes in both houses of the Parliament, and formally becomes the [[The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013|Lokpal and Lokayukta Act]].<ref name="Lokpal History"/>

|-
| 2016 || Government of India makes amendments to the Act mandating public officers, their spouses and dependent children to declare and file their Assets & Liabilities every year.<ref name="Lokayukta 2016">{{cite web |title=The Lokpal and Lokayuktas (Amendment) Bill, 2016 |url=https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-lokpal-and-lokayuktas-amendment-bill-2016 |website=PRS Legislative Research |access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref>
|}

== Lokayukta/Lokayog/Lokpal in Indian States ==
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible"
|-
! Lokayukta/Lokayog/Lokpal !! Incumbent
|-
|[[Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Andhra Pradesh]]<ref name="knowledge.cgg.gov.in">[http://knowledge.cgg.gov.in/Acts%20%20Policies/Lokayukta%20and%20Upa-Lokayukta%20Act%201983.pdf#page=268 ]</ref> ||Justice P Lakshman Reddy
|-
|[[Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Arunachal Pradesh]]<ref name="knowledge.cgg.gov.in"/> ||Justice Prashanta Kumar Saikia<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/justice-pk-saikia-sworn-in-as-arunachal-lokayukta-chief-119062700897_1.html|title=Justice PK Saikia sworn-in as Arunachal Lokayukta chief|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=27 June 2019|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>
|-
|[[Assam Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Assam]]<ref>[http://aasc.nic.in/Acts%20and%20Rules%20(GOA)/Judicial%20Department/The%20Assam%20Lokayukta%20and%20Upa-Lokayuktas%20Act,%201985.pdf ]</ref> ||Mr. Justice C.R. Sarma<ref>{{cite web |title=Powers and Functions of Lokayukta/Upa-Lokayukta {{!}} Home & Political {{!}} Government Of Assam, India |url=https://homeandpolitical.assam.gov.in/information-services/powers-and-functions-of-lokayuktaupa-lokayukta |website=homeandpolitical.assam.gov.in |access-date=26 August 2021}}</ref>
|-
|[[Bihar Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Bihar]]r<ref>[http://lokayukta.bih.nic.in/Act.htm ]</ref> ||Justice Shyam Kishore Sharma
|-
|[[Chhattisgarh Lokayog|Lokayog, Chhattisgharh]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101120184543/http://cg.gov.in/govtpolicy/lok.htm ]</ref>||T. P. Sharma
|-
| [[Delhi Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Delhi]]<ref>[http://lokayukta.delhigovt.nic.in/uplok.asp ]</ref> ||[[Reva Khetrapal]]
|-
|[[Goa Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Goa]]<ref>[http://goaprintingpress.gov.in/uploads/Goa%20Lokayukat%20Act%202011.pdf ]</ref> ||Justice Prafulla Kumar Mishra
|-
|[[Gujarat Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Gujarat]]<ref>[http://www.lawsofindia.org/statelaw/2196/TheGujaratLokayuktaAct1986.html ]</ref> ||Justice Rajesh H Shukla
|-
|[[Haryana Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Haryana]]<ref>[http://hrlokayukta.gov.in/Lokayukta%20acts-english.htm ]</ref> ||Hari Pal Verma.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sura |first1=Ajay |title=Haryana: Former HC judge Hari Pal Verma appointed Lokayukta {{!}} Chandigarh News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/haryana-former-hc-judge-hari-pal-verma-appointed-as-new-lokayukta-haryana/articleshow/86097622.cms |access-date=12 September 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=10 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Himachal Pradesh]]<ref>[http://hp.gov.in/lokayukta/Microsoft_Word_LokayuktaAct.pdf ]</ref> ||
|-
|[[Jharkhand Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Jharkhand]]<ref>[http://lokayuktajharkhand.nic.in/ ]</ref> ||Justice D. N. Upadhyay
|-
| [[Karnataka Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Karnataka]]<ref>[http://lokayukta.kar.nic.in/karnataka_lokayukta_act.htm ]</ref> || Judge P. Vishwanatha Shetty (Lokayukta) <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2017/jan/26/finally-karnataka-has-a-new-lokayukta-vishwanath-shetty-1563747.html|title=Finally, Karnataka has a new Lokayukta: Vishwanath Shetty}}</ref> Justice Narayanappa Ananda (Upa-Lokayukta)
|-
|[[Kerala Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Kerala]]<ref>[http://lokayuktakerala.gov.in/staticinfo/act1999.php ]</ref> ||Justice Cyriac Joseph(Lokayukta), Justice A K Basheer (Upa-Lokayukta), Justice Babu Mathew P Joseph (Upa-Lokayukta)
|-
|[[Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Madhya Pradesh]]<ref>[http://mplokayukt.nic.in/Adhiniyam1981.pdf ]</ref> ||Justice Naresh Kumar Gupta
|-
|[[Maharashtra Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Maharashtra]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gad.maharashtra.gov.in/Sitemap/gad/pdf/LokAayuktaActEng.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=6 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106010233/http://gad.maharashtra.gov.in/Sitemap/gad/pdf/LokAayuktaActEng.pdf |archive-date=6 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ||
[[Sanjay Bhatia (administrator)|Sanjay Bhatia]] (Upa-Lokayukta & Lokayukta I/c)<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mishra|first=Lalatendu|date=2020-08-29|title=Sanjay Bhatia appointed State Upa-Lokayukta|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/sanjay-bhatia-appointed-state-upa-lokayukta/article32469865.ece|access-date=2021-06-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About Maharashtra Lokayukta |url=https://lokayukta.maharashtra.gov.in/1107/About-Us |website=lokayukta.maharashtra.gov.in |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref>
|-
|[[Manipur Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Manipur]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.editorial.editorial_2019.Finally_Manipur_got_Lokayukta_IT_20190621|title = Finally Manipur got Lokayukta IT 20190621}}</ref> || Justice (Retd) T Nandakumar Singh
|-
|[[Meghalaya Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Meghalaya]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/first-chairperson-of-meghalaya-lokayukta-sworn-in-118110600646_1.html|title = First chairperson of Meghalaya Lokayukta sworn in|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 6 November 2018|agency = Press Trust of India}}</ref> || Pranoy Kumar Musahary
|-
|[[Mizoram Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Mizoram]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/c-lalsawta-appointed-mizorams-first-lokayukta-chairman20190312193024/|title = C. Lalsawta appointed Mizoram's first Lokayukta chairman}}</ref> || C. Lalsawta
|-
|[[Nagaland Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Nagaland]]<ref>[http://www.uniindia.com/justice-uma-nath-singh-takes-oath-as-1st-lokayukta-of-nagaland/east/news/1508792.html]</ref> || Justice Uma Nath Singh
|-
|[[Odisha Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Odisha]]<ref>[http://www.lawsofindia.org/statelaw/2626/TheLokpalandLokayuktasAct1995.html ]</ref> || Justice Ajit Singh
|-
|[[Punjab Lokayukta|Lokpal, Punjab]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101129162716/http://punjabgovt.nic.in/punjabrti/Departments/Legal_and_Legislative_Affair/Department%20of%20Legal%20%26%20Legislative%20Affair/THE%20PUNJAB%20LOKPAL%20ACT.pdf ]</ref> ||Justice Vinod Kumar Sharma
|-
|Lokayukta, Rajasthan<ref>[https://archive.today/20090123035853/http://lokayukt.rajasthan.gov.in/Acts.asp ]</ref> ||Justice Pratap krishna Lohara
|-
|[[Sikkim Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Sikkim]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/justice-kalyan-jyoti-sengupta-sworn-in-as-sikkim-lokayukta-chairperson/articleshow/47340939.cms?from=mdr|title=Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta sworn-in as Sikkim Lokayukta Chairperson|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> || Justice Anand Prakash Subba
|-
|[[Tamilnadu Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Tamil Nadu]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/apr/02/finally-tamil-nadu-lokayukta-constituted-1958984.html|title=Finally, Tamil Nadu Lokayukta constituted}}</ref> || P. Devadass
|-
|[[Telangana Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Telangana]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Telangana govt appoints state's Lokayukta, Upa Lokayukta |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/telangana-govt-appoints-state-s-lokayukta-upa-lokayukta-119122000162_1.html |access-date=24 August 2021 |publisher=Business Standard India |date=20 December 2019}}</ref> || Justice (Retd) C V Ramulu
|-
|[[Tripura Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Tripura]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/new-tripura-lokayukta-assumes-office-117042700579_1.html|title = New Tripura Lokayukta assumes office|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 27 April 2017}}</ref> || Justice Subal Baidya
|-
|[[Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta|Lokayukta, Uttar Pradesh]]<ref>[http://lokayukta.up.nic.in/text/english%20act/act%20subbuttan%20english.htm ]</ref> || Justice Sanjay Mishra
|-
|Lokayukta, Uttarakhand<ref>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-grants-uttarakhand-6-months-to-appoint-lokayukta/story-K5q2Bd9ICm38wSXBZ2DNCK.html Hindustan Times]</ref> ||
|-
|[[West Bengal Lokayukta|Lokayukta, West Bengal]]<ref>[http://ssccw.wbpar.gov.in/Lokayukta_West_Bengal ]</ref> || Justice Ashim Kumar Roy
|}

There are no Lokayuktas in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. Lokayukta was enacted in Tamil Nadu on 13 July 2018<ref>{{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Act, 2018 |url=http://www.bareactslive.com/TN/tn976.htm |website=www.bareactslive.com |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref> and was established on 13 November 2018,<ref>{{cite web |title=Finally, Tamil Nadu Lokayukta constituted |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/apr/02/finally-tamil-nadu-lokayukta-constituted-1958984.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref> the [[Arunachal Pradesh]] [[Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly|assembly]] passed a Lokayukta bill On 4 March 2014,<ref>{{cite news |title=Lokayukta Bill passed in Arunachal Pradesh house |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/lokayukta-bill-passed-in-arunachal-pradesh-house/articleshow/31474736.cms?from=mdr |website=The Economic Times |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Home Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta |url=http://lokayukta.arunachal.gov.in/#:~:text=The%20office%20of%20Lokayukta%20Arunachal,the%20Member%20of%20the%20Lokayukta. |website=lokayukta.arunachal.gov.in |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref> the [[Mizoram]] [[Mizoram Legislative Assembly|assembly]] passed a Lokayukta Bill in March 2019<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |title=Mizoram gets its first Lokayukta chairman |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mizoram-gets-its-first-lokayukta-chairman/article26503794.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=8 July 2021 |language=en-IN |date=12 March 2019}}</ref>

== Role in combating Corruption and Maladministration ==
{{Peacock|date=January 2020}}
The [[Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013|Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013]],makes it compulsory for each state to appoint Lokayukta similar to [[Lokpal]] at central level for investigation into complaints of corruption against government officers in public offices.<ref>{{cite news |title=Only four states have appointed judicial, non-judicial members of Lokayukta, says report |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/only-four-states-have-appointed-judicial-non-judicial-members-of-lokayukta-says-report/articleshow/79627314.cms?from=mdr |access-date=26 August 2021 |publisher=The Economic Times |date=8 December 2020}}</ref> As per the Act the institution should have both Judicial and Non-Judicial members. Lokayukta investigates cases of corruption committed at state level,<ref name="Lokayukta Ref1" /> and once proved recommends action. It is a great check on corruption, brings about transparency in the system, makes administrative machinery citizen friendly. His functions largely depend upon jurisdiction vested in him and facilities provided for taking cognizance of citizens’ grievances promptly, dexterously and expeditiously through simple, informal mechanism devoid of technicalities.

Institution of [[Lokpal]] has not as yet been created at the centre,<ref name="Lokayukta Ref1">{{cite news |title=What is a Lokayukta? |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/what-is-a-lokayukta-423575 |access-date=15 August 2021 |publisher=NDTV.com |date=12 July 2010}}</ref> although efforts have been made since 1959. Meanwhile, Lokayuktas/Lokpal have been established by many states through state legislations. They provide for inquiry/investigation into complaints of corruption against public servants.<ref name="Lokayukta Ref1" /> He protects Citizens’ Right against mal-administration, corruption, delay, inefficiency, non-transparency, abuse of position, improper conduct etc. To keep the powers of Lokayukta neutral and non-biased provision for fixed tenure is made.<ref name="Lokayukta Ref1" /> The procedure to be followed is informal and inexpensive; technicalities do not come in way. Complaint is supported by affidavit, making out case for inquiry. He is representative of Legislature, powerful friend of citizens to act against officials action, inaction or corruption. But not anti-administration, rather helps in humanizing relations between the public and the administration, a step forward in establishing an ‘Open Government’ securing respect for the rule of law, an educator aiming at propagating the prevention of corruption, inefficiency and mal-administration in governance. He is, therefore, a check on corruption.

;Constitutional Amendment for Effectiveness:
An amendment to the [[Constitution of India|Constitution]] has been proposed to implement the Lokayukta uniformly across [[States of India|Indian states]]. The proposed changes will make the institution of Lokayukta uniform across the country as a three-member body, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or high court chief justice<ref name="Lokayukta Ref1" /> and comprising the state vigilance commissioner and a jurist or an eminent administrator as other members.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/78301/lokayukta-may-get-constitutional-status.html |title=Lokayukta may get constitutional status|date=30 June 2010|access-date= 2010-06-30 |publisher=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref>

== Reforms ==
In November 2012, after conclusion of the 11th ''All India Lokayukta Conference'', as many as 16 Lokayuktas sent many recommendations to the [[Govt of India]]. The recommendations were:<ref name="Bring NGOs under ambit: Lokayuktas">{{cite news|title=Bring NGOs under ambit: Lokayuktas |url=http://dailypioneer.com/city/107865-bring-ngos-under-ambit-lokayuktas.html|access-date=10 November 2012 |newspaper=Pioneer|date=9 November 2012}}</ref>

* Make Lokayukta the nodal agency for receiving all corruption complaints.<ref name="Bring NGOs under ambit: Lokayuktas"/>
* Accord Lokayukta jurisdiction over [[States of India|State-level]] probe agencies.<ref name="Bring NGOs under ambit: Lokayuktas"/>
* Bring bureaucrats under the ambit of the Lokayuktas.<ref name="‘Make Lokayukta nodal agency for all graft complaints’">{{cite news|title=Make Lokayukta nodal agency for all graft complaints|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/make-lokayukta-nodal-agency-for-all-graft-complaints/article4081488.ece|access-date=10 November 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 November 2012|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
* Accord powers of search and seizure and powers to initiate [[Contempt of court|contempt]] proceedings.<ref name="‘Make Lokayukta nodal agency for all graft complaints’"/>
* Provide Lokayukta administrative and financial [[autonomy]].<ref name="‘Make Lokayukta nodal agency for all graft complaints’"/>
* Bring [[Non-Governmental Organisation]]s (NGO) funded by the government under Lokayukta's jurisdiction.<ref name="‘Make Lokayukta nodal agency for all graft complaints’"/>

== Impact ==

The report of [[N. Santosh Hegde|Retd. Justice Santosh Hegde]] the then incumbent [[Karnataka Lokayukta|Lokayukta of Karnataka]] (2011) resulted in the unseating of the Chief Minister of Karnataka from his position.<ref>{{cite news |title=Karnataka Lokayukta report: Yeddyurappa resigns as CM; difficult task for BJP to find successor |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/karnataka-lokayukta-report-yeddyurappa-resigns-as-cm-difficult-task-for-bjp-to-find-successor/articleshow/9402389.cms?from=mdr |website=The Economic Times |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yeddyurappa resigns as Karnataka Chief Minister |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/yeddyurappa-resigns-as-karnataka-chief-minister-463451 |website=NDTV.com |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[The Lokpal Bill, 2011]]
* [[Jan Lokpal Bill]]
* [[Indian political scandals]]
* [[Corruption Perceptions Index]]
* [[Corruption Perceptions Index]]
* [[The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013]]
* [[Goa Lokayukta]]
* [[Karnataka Lokayukta]]
* [[Maharashtra Lokayukta]]
* [[Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta]]
* [[Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta]]
* [[Assam Lokayukta]]
* [[Telangana Lokayukta]]
* [[Delhi Lokayukta]]
* [[Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta]]
* [[Bihar Lokayukta]]
* [[West Bengal Lokayukta]]
* [[Gujarat Lokayukta]]
* [[Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta]]
* [[Haryana Lokayukta]]
* [[Odisha Lokayukta]]
* [[Tamilnadu Lokayukta]]
* [[Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta]]
* [[Chhattisgarh Lokayog]]
* [[Jharkhand Lokayukta]]
* [[Punjab Lokayukta]]
* [[Manipur Lokayukta]]
* [[Meghalaya Lokayukta]]
* [[Mizoram Lokayukta]]
* [[Nagaland Lokayukta]]
* [[Sikkim Lokayukta]]
* [[Tripura Lokayukta]]
* [[Uttarakhand Lokayukta]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Lokayukta}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Anti-corruption measures in India]]
[[Category:Anti-corruption agencies]]
[[Category:Ombudsman posts]]
[[Category:Lokayuktas| ]]

Lokayukta - Revision history

->AS Sayyad at 07:35, 11 November 2021