The state government did not wait for Parliament to pass the Lokpal Bill either. Bihar government has implemented its new Lokayukta Act. The Act came into force once the Governor gave his nod to the Bill and a notification was issued on December 30. The Bill was passed by Bihar Assembly in the Winter Session in the first week of December.

The incumbent Lokayukta Chandra Mohan Prasad has been re-designated as Chief Lokayukta or Chairman. The Act stipulates that the Lokayukta appointed prior to the commencement of this Act shall continue as the first chairperson till the completion of his term.

Soon, the process of appointment of two more Lokayuktas will be started. Earlier, the Lokayukta was just an individual, now it is an institution.

As per the Act the two other members will be chosen by a selection panel comprising Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council as convener, Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, two senior sitting judges of the Patna high court nominated by the chief justice as members and the immediate outgoing Lokayukta.

Of the two members of Lokayukta, one will be essentially from judicial background. For the lone seat of Lokayukta to be appointed from other fields, the public and other organizations can also suggest names on the website, which will be considered by the search committee," he said. No person with political connection will be considered for appointment as Lokayukta. The appointment will be made by the governor on the recommendation of the selection panel. However, there is no provision of reservation in appointment of Lokayukta.

Comment

comments...