The Hindu : NGO questions Sudarshan's appointment to Lokayukta

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

NGO questions Sudarshan's appointment to Lokayukta

By Our Special Correspondent

Bangalore April 29. The appointment and continuance of the noted social worker, H.Sudarshan, as Director (Vigilance) in the Karnataka Lokayukta has come to be questioned, especially in the context of the unearthing of the scam in the Drugs Control Department.

The Magsaysay Award-winner, who is known for the medical services he is providing to the tribal people in Heggadadevanakote forests, has won both friends and enemies in government circles.

Matters have gone to such a head that a Davangere-based NGO has petitioned the Governor, T.N.Chaturvedi, questioning the continuance of Dr. Sudarshan as Director (Vigilance) in the Lokayukta.

According to a source in the Government, the State would have lost substantial World Bank assistance for the Department of Health and Family Welfare because of the stand taken by Dr. Sudarshan. It is alleged that at the meeting with World Bank officials, instead of supporting the request of the State Government for assistance, Dr. Sudarshan complained of rampant corruption in the department and the misuse of World Bank assistance. The loan had almost been scuttled because of his averment at the meeting and the government officials had a tough time in explaining to the World Bank team.

It was in November 2001 that Dr. Sudarshan was appointed Special Investigating Agent (Medical) on a remuneration of a token Re. one a month. His tenure is co-terminus with that of the Lokayukta, Justice N.Venkatachala.

The retired Supreme Court judge's five-year term ends in 2006. At that time, the Government had noted that under Section 15 of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, the Lokayukta or the Upa Lokayukta can utilise the services of an officer or investigating officer of the State or the Union Government or any other agency for the purpose of conducting investigations.

The Samatha Rural Development and Research Centre of Davangere has contended in the memorandum that Dr. Sudarshan's appointment was not in accordance with the Act as he was not an officer of the State or the Union Government. He did not represent any investigative agency. Further, there was no post of "Director of Vigilance" in the Lokayukta office going by the rules pertaining to the establishment of the Lokayukta.

The President of the kendra, M.T.Subashchandra, and the Secretary, S.Niranjan Sagar, have told the Governor that the NGOs headed by Dr. Sudarshan were receiving funds from the Government and it disqualified him from being associated with the Lokayukta. They urged the Governor to direct the Lokayukta to terminate the services of Dr. Sudarshan.

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