Anti-graft Activists Laud Meghalaya Lokayukta Directive

Anti-graft Activists Laud Meghalaya Lokayukta Directive

Public servants will have to furnish details of assets and liabilities

Staff Correspondent

Shillong: State Government employees with disproportionate assets will be exposed, felt anti-graft activists who joined the Chief Minister in welcoming the Meghalaya Lokayukta’s directive to government employees to declare their assets and liabilities.

Michael Syiem, the convenor of the Mait Shaphrang Movement, the pressure group that led from the front in demanding the Lokayukta in the State in his reaction told The Sentinel on Saturday, “In fact, the directive is long overdue and I am glad that such a step has been taken.”

“The directive will go a long way in exposing corrupt practices and will also act as a deterrence to any malpractices by the government employees,” further stated the RTI activist who has always been at the forefront in the fight against corruption.

Another anti-graft activist and president of the Civil Society Womens’ Organisation (CSWO) Agnes Kharshiing said this bold move will uncover many employees whose source of income is not known. Adding further to her observation, Kharshiing stated, “With the ambit of the directive covering the spouse and dependents, many employees with disproportionate assets will be uncovered.” The CSWO activist known for filing numerous RTIs in the State also felt that skeletons will come tumbling out of the closet of those who records wealth in the names of their dependents.

Lauding the directive, UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh, known for his vociferous voice in the fight against corruption, said, “We are in a world which is looking for transparency and accountability and such a directive will expose and discourage the dubious elements involved in nefarious activities.”

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has welcomed the directive issued by the Lokayukta chief PS Mushahary to the Chief Secretary. Members of the public who spoke to this correspondent felt that this is good leap to clean up the system that has flaws due to the presence of corrupt elements in governance.

While sources said (till filing of this report) the notification has not been circulated to the departments till late this afternoon, the anti-graft activists are hopeful that it will happen soon.

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