Karnataka Lokayukta gets more power

Bangalore, Sept 18 (UNI) Karnataka Cabinet today approved the extension of inquiry powers to Lok Ayukta against all government officials upto the level of the Chief Secretary.

Emerging out the emergency cabinet meet today, Home Minister M P Prakash told reporters that the Lok Ayukta could take action of conducting inquiry, raids on the offices and residences of the officers on receiving complaints against them.

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

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

This was done in the background of extending of such powers to Lok Ayukta in six states including Bihar and Orissa, he added.

The cabinet also approved for the declaration of assets by the officers at market value of property on the date when it was purchased, he added.

Mr Prakash said that he would meet the Governor Rameshwar Thakur today with cabinet decision for issuing of an ordinance to enforce the amendments.

UNI