IMPHAL June 3: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) has expressed its disappointment with yesterday`™s state cabinet decision regarding the Lokpal Bill in response to the invitation of the centre regarding the ongoing drafting process of the Bill.
A press release by CORE`™s president Debabrata Roy has stated that the cabinet decision had highlighted that the Lokpal legislation will be of `no use`™ as an invisible and toothless Lok Ayukta Act is already in force.
The release further stated that even though the entire responsibility of the unbridled corruption prevailing in Manipur cannot be placed at the doorstep of the SPF regime alone, the SPF government is one of the most corrupt government that has ruled the state.
It also added that the state cabinet decision explains its hesitation to support a strong anti corrupt legislation. It is a widely held opinion of the people that the politicians and executives are looting the state, forfeiting the democratic and fundamental rights of the citizens, it further charged.
The release further mentioned that, the fundamental rights protected by the Indian Constitution and the Directives of State Policy as well as existing laws do not properly address the definition and scope of corruption in government, further the constitution presumes an impartial and just government machinery to look after its citizens, the checks and balances inbuilt into the constitution were designed to prevent ambiguous and unfair decisions by those in authority and acting in the service of the people.
Corruption in high and low places must be viewed within the same scope of the proposed ombudsman legislation as no one is above the law. As corruption affects in every walk of life, the issue is clearly everyone`™s concern. A recommendation from the state reflects the people`™s view through our elected representatives.
It has further stated that the recommendation submitted by the state cabinet has been arrived without any consultation with civil societies of the state.
The present government is fond of aping the notion that development is not possible without peace, but peace alone is not enough to ensure fundamental rights and freedom for all when uncontrolled corruption is the established morality of the state.
It further stated that the recommendations of civil societies in each state must also be seriously considered.