Social activist Nilberth Ch Marak has written to Chief Secretary MS Rao seeking the extension of current Lokayukta’s term until a new ombudsman is appointed.
The activist stated that the term of PK Musahary is due to end in May and it has been learnt that the state government has not made any effort to appoint a new Lokayukta.
“As no new person has been sought for the post of Lokayukta, I would like to request that the term of the current Lokayukta be extended till the appointment of a new one for the interest of the state,” said Marak in a letter to Rao on Friday.
The Lokayukta has had some success in exposing corruption in many government offices, including the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. However, despite pointing out these cases, the lack of executive powers for the ombudsman has rendered the office toothless to act against corruption.
Marak has been one such activist who has raised corruption matters with the Lokayukta and made corruption more visible.
“There are a huge number of cases of corruption pending in the state and the absence of the chairman of the Lokayukta will affect the justice delivery system. This could lead to the increase in the amount of corruption in the state. For the sake of the people of the state and to ensure corruption does not rule, the Lokayukta’s office needs to be continued and until there is a replacement for the current chairman, I request that he be allowed to continue,” said the social activist.
