Cong demands appointment of Lokayukta

He said: “If this government is not corrupt then why is it not appointing the Lokayukta (an anti-corruption ombudsman organization)? The state government has no role to play in it. The Governor has to appoint the Lokayukta in consultation with Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and the Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Assembly. I am ready to blindly sign on any name fixed by the state government,the Chief Justice of Gujarat HC and the Governor.”

State Finance Minister Vaju Vala said the recommendation of the name of the Lokayukta is pending with the High Court Chief Justice and not at the government level.

“We will send the name of Lokayukta to the Governor once we receive it from the HC,” Vala said.

The post of the Lokayukta is vacant for almost eight years in Gujarat.

In a written reply to Balasinor MLA Mansinh Chauhan,Chief Minister Narendra Modi informed the Assembly that total 16 complaints and application are pending in office of the Lokayukta.

As per the provision of Lokayukta Act 1986,these applications cannot be transferred to anyone.