Karnataka Lok Ayukta gets more teeth

Bangalore, Sep 18 (UNI) The Karnataka Cabinet today approved amendments to the Lok Ayukta Act, giving it the power to hold inquiry against all government officials up to the level of Chief Secretary.

After an emergency cabinet meet today, Home Minister M P Prakash told reporters that the Lok Ayukta could how conduct inquiry and raid offices and residences of the officers on receiving complaints against them.

The Lok Ayukta would be required submit the report to the government for final action against the officials, he added.

He said the inquiry power of Lok Ayutka was earlier limited to below Deputy Commissioner level. Now, it included all top officials under the Act.

The move comes in the backdrop of six states, including Bihar and Orissa, giving such powers to their Lok Ayukta, he added.

The Cabinet also approved declaration of assets by officers at market value on the date when they were purchased.

Mr Prakash said he would meet Governor Rameshwar Thakur today with Cabinet's decision for issuing an ordinance to enforce the amendments.

UNI