Aizawl: The Congress Vigilance Cell has issued a strong appeal to Chief Minister Lalduhoma, urging him to remove the restrictions placed on the Mizoram Lokayukta and rectify recent amendments that have undermined its effectiveness.
In a letter signed by Sanghrima Chawngthu, Secretary of the Vigilance Cell, the Congress raised concerns about the Lokayukta’s operational capabilities, which they claim have not had a chance to function to its full capacity since its inception.
The letter highlighted the ZPM government’s promises to strengthen the Lokayukta, which has the authority to investigate ministers and even the Chief Minister. However, instead of empowering the anti-corruption body, the recent changes have rendered it ineffective according to the Congress Vigilance Cell.
The Mizoram Lokayukta (Amendment) Act, 2024, passed by the ZPM government and notified in the Gazette on March 15, 2024, has been particularly contentious. The Congress Vigilance Cell pointed out several key amendments that have lowered the Lokayukta’s importance and impeded its functionality. Notably, they cited changes to sections 11, 13(3), 22(1), and 22(2), which have demoted the Chief Inquiry Officer and Public Prosecutor from the rank of Additional Secretary to Deputy Secretary.
Moreover, the amendments require permission from relevant authorities or organizations before any action can be taken against the individuals under investigation. The Congress argued that this requirement would significantly delay the investigative process, further hampering the Lokayukta’s ability to function effectively.
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“The Mizoram Lokayukta, now five years old, has not been well-equipped enough to carry out its services. You have promised time and again that you will strengthen the Lokayukta. However, now Lokayukta, which can trace ministers and even the Chief Minister, instead of being strengthened, has been reduced to a point where it cannot work anymore,” stated the letter from the Congress Vigilance Cell.
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