Lok Ayukta seeks public cooperation to check corruption

Bangalore, Mar 29 (UNI) Karnataka Lok Ayukta Mr Justice Santosh Hegde today sought public cooperation to eradicate corruption, spreading like wildfire in the top power circles.

Stating that the Lok Ayukta did not have suo-motu powers to move against Class one Government officers, he called upon the public to come forward, without fear, and file complaint so that action could be taken.

Mr Justice Hegde was speaking after inaugurating the Karnataka State Anti-Corruption Advocate Forum here.

He said corruption was a multi-faceted body which existed in many forms. ''I believe that eradication of corruption is not possible.

Institutions like Lok Ayukta can only oversee that good governance is provided. Hence, unless there is united effort by the public and the institution, corruption cannot be eradicated from the society.

An institution like Lok Ayukta cannot fight alone against corruption.'' Mr Justice Hegde said that in 2006, only 230 complaints had been received and since the last seven months of his assuming charge, not even a single complaint had been received against Class I officer.

''There is no interest among people to remove corruption...Hence, the need of the hour is to create awareness among the public against corruption. Even if we succeed to achieve ten per cent in our effort, it will lead to eradication of corruption in the coming days,'' he added.

Stating that it was the foremost duty of the public to cooperate in weeding out corruption in politics and bureaucracy, he said corruption was raising its ugly head in judiciary also. However, it could be eradicated from the judiciary if there was determination as corruption there was still in its infancy.

UNI