Hazare wants Bihar-like Act to fight corruption in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Noted social activist Anna Hazaretoday proposed introduction of a stringent Act on the lines ofBihar, to fight corruption in Maharashtra and salvage theimage of the state, left bruised by Adarsh controversy and thekilling of Maleagaon Additional Collector Yashwant Sonawane.

In a meeting held here with Chief Minister PrithvirajChavan, Hazare urged introduction of an Act similar to thestringent Bihar Special Courts Act, introduced by ChiefMinister Nitish Kumar to uproot corruption.

"I have proposed the government to have a strict Act,like one in Bihar to crack down corruption cases in the state.

The Governmnet is yet to reply on the proposal," Hazare toldreporters today.

The tainted reputation of the state government wouldimprove with some stringent norms introduced to fightcorruption, he said.

The Act, introduced in Bihar empowers officers authorisedby the state to confiscate properties and cash of anygovernment official accused of corruption on the basis ofprima facie evidence.

Among other issues discussed, Hazare told Chavan thatthere was a urgent need to expedite pending files withgovernment offices.

The veteran Gandhian has also threatened to go on ahunger strike against corruption and adulteration mafia in thestate from March 15.

The Maharashtra government has come under serious flaksince the Adarsh Housing society scam and the killing ofAdditional District Collector Yashawant Sonawane, who was setablaze by suspected oil mafia in Nashik.