from Ronald D.F. D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network (GA)
Bahrain, Oct 27: A felicitation programme was organized at the Bahrain Kannada Sangha for the visiting well-known personality N Santhosh Hegde, Karnataka Lokayukta and former Justice of Supreme Court.
Hegde arrived at the Kannada Sangha premises accompanied by H E Balakrishna Shetty, the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain. The guests were escorted to the stage by the president Austin Santhosh and the vice-president Ramesh Manjeshwar. The president briefed the audience about Hegde’s achievements and the investigations undertaken. Floral presentations were given to the dignitaries and a memento was presented to Hegde. In his speech Hegde informed the gathering that the Lokayukta was formed about 200 years back and is the brainchild of Sweden. This was mainly formed to fight the nepotism and ill-treatment given to ordinary people and to maintain good governess in the country.
The former chief minister of Karnataka Ramakrishna Hegde took the initiative to introduce Lokayukta in Karnataka. Justice Hegde took charge of the Lokayukta in the year 2006 and as on October 2008, under the leadership of Justice Hegde a total of 218 government officers have been caught for bribery and corruption. A total of 13 residences were raided to find out their assets. He gave an example of about Rs 60 lac sanctioned for the slum cleaning in the villages, out of which Rs 16 lac was given to the officers to sanction the work. Later on it was discovered that no work was done but only the money was swindled by the government officials. Since he is only an ordinary citizen of India, he is not afraid to say anything about government officials who cheat or involve in accepting bribes.
His tenure is for 5 years and vows to work faithfully for the betterment of people so that every needy person gets what is rightfully his. During the last 2 years, he has paid several visits to hospitals, police stations, government offices and where necessary issued warnings to do their work properly failing which he is in a position to suspend them from their jobs.
Some members from the audience raised questions which Hegde suitably responded in Kannada and English. He also said that anyone can write to him with their grievances and he will ensure confidentiality.
Later H E Balakrishna Shetty thanked Hegde for his contribution to the society and wished him further success in his endeavours.