Southern States - Karnataka

Dismiss Maalakaraddy: Srinivasa

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE MAY 21. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, K.H. Srinivasa, today demanded the dismissal of the Health Minister, A.B. Maalakaraddy, on charges of making "irresponsible statements" against the Lokayukta at a public function in Shimoga recently.

He told presspersons here that although he had nothing personal against the Health Minister, who was known for his integrity, it was unbecoming of a senior Minister to voice his anger against the Lokayukta, more so when the latter was doing his best to check corruption in government departments and agencies. "Being a part of the Government, it was improper for a Minister to speak against the vigilance organisation constituted by an Act of legislature.''

Dr. Maalakaraddy, while addressing government doctors in Shimoga, said the surprise visits by Lokayukta to government hospitals had affected the morale and self-confidence of government doctors. He wondered why the Lokayukta picked only government hospitals for surprise visits. "Even if the Government constituted a 100 Lokayuktas, health departments and hospitals cannot be reformed since they are poorly equipped,'' he said.

Mr. Srinivasa said it was not the first time that the Minister had attacked the Lokayukta. He did so in recent past much to the pleasure of government doctors. "It is a fact that corruption is rampant in government hospitals and the Lokayukta has obviously chosen this sector for surprise visits. There have been several instances when the Lokayukta, during his surprise visits, directed the doctors concerned to return the money they had taken from patients. Had he chosen to take the matter seriously, then the Lokayukta could have directed the registration of a corruption case against the doctors concerned.''

The Opposition Leader said the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, and the State Cabinet should take a serious view of the Minister's utterances against the Lokayukta. "The dismissal of Dr. Maalakaraddy from the Ministry would send the right signals and also indicate that the Chief Minister and the Government were serious in curbing corruption. Action should be initiated against the others who have criticised the Lokayukta. By his statements, the Minister has indicated that he was anti-people," he said.

Mr. Srinivasa said the Lokayukta, which was constituted a long time ago, had failed to be effective until Mr. N. Venkatachala took charge of the office. "Irrespective of all the opposition within the Cabinet, the Chief Minister and the Law Minister, D.B. Chandre Gowda, have categorically stated that the institution of Lokayukta will be strengthened. They have even said that, if need be, the Lokayukta Act will be amended to empower the organisation. The removal of the Minister at this point would obviously caution other Ministers and government servants. Rather than saying it in words, it is imperative for the Chief Minister to show it in action that he is really set against corruption in public life. This will instil fear among the officials,'' Mr. Srinivasa said.

The Opposition Leader, who commended the work of Mr. Justice Venkatachala, said with additional powers, the Lokayukta would do much more. "At present, the legislators have been asked to file their assets and liabilities by June every year.

The Lokayukta only publishes names of those who fail to do so. With additional powers, the Lokayukta will be in a position to even divest legislators of their position. This will help bring about a qualitative change in legislators.

The Government has constituted a host of organisations but they should be appropriately empowered to make them effective.

The Lokayukta should be prevented from becoming yet another ornamental institution devoid of adequate powers,'' he added.

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