Punjab Cabinet okays Lokayukta Bill, to cover all levels up to Chief Minister

Punjab Government led by Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday took a major step towards implementing ar pre-poll promise, with Cabinet approving introduction of Punjab Lokayukta Bill, 2020, which will cover all levels of public functionaries, up to Chief Minister.

Cabinet decision will repeal existing Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996, and new legislation will be applicable to Chief Minister, Ministers, n-officials/officials of all public offices, with aim of furr enhancing governance and checking corruption.

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sweeping reform measure enviss an automous body to inquire into grievances and allegations against public functionaries in state and to make provisions for appointment of Lokayukta and for matters connected rewith. Lokayukta shall have all powers of a civil court under Code of Civil Procedure 1908. It will also provide for prosecution in case of a false complaint.

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Prosecution of Chief Ministers, Ministers of MLAs can be sanctioned only with 2/3rd majority of House under new legislation. Furr, all sanctions by Assembly, wher or t permission to prosecute is granted, will be binding on Lokpal.

All complaints will be scrutinised by a screening committee of Lokpal before issuance of tice, said an official spokesperson, giving details of key provisions of Bill. screening committee will also take Government’s opinion on matter.

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legislation bars a parallel probe into a complaint against any officer/public functionary if an inquiry is being conducted in matter by Lokpal. Similarly, Lokpal will t have authority to conduct a parallel inquiry of matter that is already under investigation by Government.

Lokayukta shall consist of a Chairperson, who is or has been a Judge of High Court or Supreme Court. Such number of members, t exceeding four, shall be appointed by Government (provided that at least one of member of Lokayukta shall be from amongst persons belonging to Scheduled Castes, or Backward Classes, or Mirities, or Women), all of whom shall be qualified personnel with impeccable reputation.

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Chairperson and Members shall be appointed by Goverr on basis of majority of recommendation of a selection committee, consisting of Chief Minister as Chairperson,  besides Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition in Punjab Legislative Assembly, Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court and eminent Jurist minated by Punjab government as its members.