<p>While the state government tabled the Karnataka Lokayukta (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, in the Legislative Council on Thursday, seeking to fix a time limit for investigating complaints, MLCs urged the government to strengthen the anti-corruption watchdog.</p>.<p>The Lokayukta needed more staff and the government had to ensure there were no corrupt officials heading it, the legislators said. </p>.<p>As per the amendment, all preliminary inquiries by the Lokayukta or Upa Lokayukta have to be conducted within 90 days of receiving a complaint while minor investigations have to be completed within six months. If the officials exceed this time limit, they need to given a written explanation, seeking more time. </p>.<p>While welcoming the government's move, Congress MLC P R Ramesh recalled how a complaint he filed 10 years ago had not been addressed to this day. "There is a huge delay in addressing the complaints," he said. He was joined by his party colleague Vasanth Kumar who said he'd registered a complaint in 2013 and was still waiting for it to be resolved. </p>.<p>The MLCs were joined by the others who asked the government to either strengthen the Lokayukta with appropriate infrastructure or to dissolve it. MLC K Govindaraju urged the government to appoint more staff.</p>.<p>"You came to power promising rejuvenation of the Lokayukta. It's been a year since this assurance and instead of acting on your word, you are making only minor changes with this amendment," added Marithibbe Gowda. </p>.<p>Responding to their concerns, Law Minister J C Madhuswamy assured to strengthen the anti-corruption body. "Two district judges and supporting staff have already been appointed," he said. The Bill was passed by the Council.</p>
<p>While the state government tabled the Karnataka Lokayukta (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, in the Legislative Council on Thursday, seeking to fix a time limit for investigating complaints, MLCs urged the government to strengthen the anti-corruption watchdog.</p>.<p>The Lokayukta needed more staff and the government had to ensure there were no corrupt officials heading it, the legislators said. </p>.<p>As per the amendment, all preliminary inquiries by the Lokayukta or Upa Lokayukta have to be conducted within 90 days of receiving a complaint while minor investigations have to be completed within six months. If the officials exceed this time limit, they need to given a written explanation, seeking more time. </p>.<p>While welcoming the government's move, Congress MLC P R Ramesh recalled how a complaint he filed 10 years ago had not been addressed to this day. "There is a huge delay in addressing the complaints," he said. He was joined by his party colleague Vasanth Kumar who said he'd registered a complaint in 2013 and was still waiting for it to be resolved. </p>.<p>The MLCs were joined by the others who asked the government to either strengthen the Lokayukta with appropriate infrastructure or to dissolve it. MLC K Govindaraju urged the government to appoint more staff.</p>.<p>"You came to power promising rejuvenation of the Lokayukta. It's been a year since this assurance and instead of acting on your word, you are making only minor changes with this amendment," added Marithibbe Gowda. </p>.<p>Responding to their concerns, Law Minister J C Madhuswamy assured to strengthen the anti-corruption body. "Two district judges and supporting staff have already been appointed," he said. The Bill was passed by the Council.</p>
