Dip in corruption complaints as Delhi Lokayukta post vacant

Despite being at the forefront of the Lokpal movement, the national capital is devoid of a Lokayukta for the past six months.
After Justice Manmohan Sarin's term ended on November 5, 2013, the office is yet to get a new Lokayukta.
From an official strength of 40 employees in the Department of Lokayukta, the number has come down to mere two officials -- accounts officer and assistant director, who joined recently, besides peons and security guards.
According to the office bearers, many officials have been transferred to different departments.
"Till six months back when Justice Manmohan Sarin was serving, we used to receive around 40 complaints per day. Now, on an average, we receive three to four complaints," a Lokayukta official said.

In the intervening months, complaints have poured in steadily, although no action could be taken owing to a vacancy in the top post, the official said.

The officials are maintaining records of all the complaints that are being received and once the new Lokayukta assumes office, they will be taken up for hearing.
Even the complainants are being informed of the same via written communication, the official added.
The Delhi Assembly elections and the subsequent formation of the Aam Admi Party government, which did not make a fresh appointment terming the present body to be weak, delayed the appointment.
The resignation of Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister of Delhi over the Jan Lokpal Bill issue further delayed the procedure, a Delhi Government official said.