Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 26: Stating that corruption is one of the greatest evils in a democratic system, Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B Veerappa said that the Lokayukta institution is firmly committed to eradicating corruption from its roots. He urged all officials to discharge their duties with the spirit that “duty is God” and to resolve to eliminate the menace of corruption.
He was speaking after inaugurating a review meeting held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hall in the Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex at Rajathadri, Manipal, to examine and dispose of pending cases registered with the Lokayukta.
Justice Veerappa noted that India has completed 79 years of Independence and recently celebrated its 77th Republic Day. He pointed out that although India ranks fourth among leading nations globally, the justice delivery system and Lokayukta cases are still not being disposed of swiftly. Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters, he said that had they remained silent, the country would still have been under British rule. He stressed that citizens must boldly claim their constitutional rights and fulfill their duties, adding that failing to fight for justice amounts to an unpardonable mistake.
He emphasized that government officials and staff across departments must provide public services within stipulated timelines and prevent citizens from making repeated visits to offices. To effectively curb corruption, both officials and the public must change their mindset, he said. He also appealed to voters not to succumb to inducements during elections.
Highlighting Udupi’s strong educational standing, he said district officials must render honest service with integrity in thought, word, and deed, without any blemish. Only then can true satisfaction in public service be achieved, he added, stressing that the term “corruption” must disappear from public life.
Justice Veerappa informed that he has been visiting all districts across the state to review Lokayukta cases and expedite their disposal. In Udupi district alone, 150 pending cases were taken up for hearing during the meeting. He sought cooperation from both officials and the public to ensure their early disposal. He warned that filing false complaints could invite legal action, including imprisonment of up to three years and a fine.
Presiding over the programme, sistrict and sessions judge Kiran Gangannavar said that officials engaged in public service must overcome deficiencies and adopt new perspectives in their functioning. Under the guidance of the Lokayukta, they should dedicate themselves to public welfare and strive for better governance. He added that such meetings provide an opportunity for officials to address complaints and rectify shortcomings brought to light through petitions and representations.
Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, in her welcome address, said Udupi district ranks first in the state in disposing of public petitions within stipulated timelines and stands second in education. She also noted that the number of pending cases in district courts is comparatively lower than in other districts. She urged officials to discharge their responsibilities diligently when citizens approach government offices.
Among those present were Lokayukta deputy registrar (Inquiry-1) Aravind N V, Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer Pratheek Boyale, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Lokayukta SP (Mangaluru Division) B P Dinesh Kumar, DFO Ruthren P, Wildlife DFO Shivaram M Babu, and various district and taluk-level officers.
Assistant director of Youth Empowerment and Sports Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty compered the programme, while senior civil judge Manu Patel B Y delivered the vote of thanks.
During the review meeting, cases taken up included complaints regarding lack of basic facilities in the Social Welfare Department’s girls’ hostel at Bannanje, inadequate infrastructure and pricing issues concerning products made by inmates of the State Women’s Home, deficiencies in residential schools under the Integrated Tribal Development Project, and shortcomings in kitchen and toilet facilities at Chitrapadi School. Based on reports from the Lokayukta Superintendent, these cases were addressed and closed after appropriate action was taken.
A complaint published in Police Mirror weekly alleging corruption against RTO and sub-registrar officials was adjourned due to the absence of the complainant. Similarly, another complaint against a senior sub-registrar and marriage registrar was deferred.
Justice Veerappa also directed sub-divisional officers to ensure that residential sites are allotted without delay, as per rules, to retired soldiers, dependents of martyrs, and dependents of freedom fighters in the district, following complaints regarding delays in allotment.