Government confirms compliance with Lokayukta Act amid VPP protests
MDA government spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh criticized the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) for attempting to politicize the Meghalaya Lokayukta issue. Lyngdoh, in a media statement on Monday, accused the VPP of unethical conduct and diverting public attention from the real concerns of the state.
The VPP had suspended its agitation demanding reinstatement of retired officers appointed by the Lokayukta, alleging that the dismissals were carried out by the Lokayukta during its investigation into a corruption case involving an MLA related to the Chief Minister.
Lyngdoh clarified that the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act clearly prohibits hiring the services of retired officers, adding, “Retired persons have less influence as compared to serving officers. We cannot deviate from the Act.” He stressed on the government’s adherence to the Act formed after nationwide protests.
Regarding discussions with the VPP, Lyngdoh noted that Minister in-charge of Law Ampareen Lyngdoh had met VPP leaders. The Chief Minister also agreed to the meeting. Lyngdoh highlighted the upcoming budget session as an opportunity for discussion, but stressed that the terms of the Act cannot be changed.
He stressed that the Lokayukta works independently, not under the control of the state government, ensuring justice impartially. Lyngdoh raised questions as to how the government’s compliance with the Act, which mandates serving officers, can be seen as influencing the Lokayukta.
In response to transparency concerns, Lyngdoh reiterated the government’s commitment to comply with the Act, adding that the government will be held liable if it is violated. Despite the government’s willingness to openly discuss the matter, he criticized the opposition’s contradictory stance and urged consideration of the provisions of the Act.
“Therefore, I am also not able to understand how this will impact. In fact, for those who should not be appointed or who are not eligible to be appointed, the Act clearly states that they must be serving officers. So if we go against the Act, the state government will be accused of violating its own Act. At the same time you say you want transparency in governance and at the same time you want the state government to violate the Act, so how can we do these things at the same time,” he said, though the chief minister had said the government was discussing Is ready for because he has nothing to hide.
