Date:21/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/21/stories/2006122110210400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Lokayukta assured of more powers

Staff Reporter

Hegde and Upa Lokayukta meet Kumaraswamy

BANGALORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has assured Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde that he would be given more powers by amending the Karnataka Lokayukta Act. Mr. Kumaraswamy gave this assurance during a breakfast meeting with Mr. Hegde and Upa Lokayukta G. Patri Basavana Goud on Wednesday.

Disclosing this to presspersons, Mr. Hegde and Mr. Goud said Mr. Kumaraswamy had agreed to their request.

"I convinced him about the necessity to take action against all officials, regardless of their cadre" Mr. Hegde said. He said the Chief Minister had referred the suo motu power issue to a Cabinet sub-committee. The Lokyukta Registrar and the Chief Secretary had already discussed the amendments threadbare during their several rounds of meetings, he added.