Shillong, Jan 6: Social activist Cherian Momin has raised concerns over the recent dismissal of Lokayukta officials investigating corruption allegations against the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). The shocking termination, conveyed via WhatsApp, has sparked widespread apprehension about the commitment to transparency and accountability within the state.
The investigation, centered around the construction of the GHADC members’ hostel costing Rs 6.01 crore from the Special Assistance, Central Plan Scheme 2015-16, led to the charge-sheeting of 9 former executive members, including the sitting NPP MLA Sanjay Sangma and a former Principal Secretary of the GHADC. Rather than empowering the LokAyukta to fulfill its mandate, the state government has, regrettably, removed these officers from their roles.
The Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, enacted in 2014 and only operational since November 2018, has triggered concern over the reluctance of the political class to subject themselves to the oversight of an ombudsman. Momin emphasized that the Lokayukta, designed to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries, should logically extend its purview to district councils.
However, questions are raised about the autonomy of the Lokayukta when its officials are appointed and removed at the discretion of the ruling government. Momin pointed out the ‘troubling silence’ on this matter from both the ruling and opposition political parties, with only faint expressions from Congress Chief Vincent Pala.
The fate of chargesheets resulting from a meticulous investigation by senior retired police officials remains uncertain. With the appointment of a new set of officials, concerns are raised regarding the potential nullification of the chargesheet and the entire enquiry process, raising doubts about a fair resolution to the case.
Momin highlighted the lack of government clarification on the removal of investigating officials and the subsequent appointment of a fresh batch, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. It appears to observers that the MDA-2 government is unwilling to acknowledge any form of corruption under its administration, reminiscent of past attempts to bury scams, he said.
“Why have a Lokayukta if its independence is compromised, and compliance takes precedence over effectiveness?” Momin questioned referring to the challenges faced by even the first LokAyukta, Justice Mushahary, who had complained of a lack of cooperation from the government.
The normalization of corruption in Meghalaya is a grave concern, indicating a need for a robust anti-corruption framework. Momin concluded by asserting that the LokAyukta, in its current state, seems to be nothing more than an empty shell, failing to fulfill its intended purpose.
