Lokayukta weakest in Rajasthan, needs more teeth: Kothari

Claiming that Rajasthan has the "weakest" anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokayukta Justice (Retd) S S Kothari sought amendments to the Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas Act, 1973 to add more teeth to the institution.
Justice (Retd) Kothari said "Lokayukta is weakest in Rajasthan" as it comprises only 35 officials, while the number in Karnataka is 1,500 and, 600 in Madhaya Pradesh.
"Even the Chief Minister is beyond the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta," he told reporters here on Friday.
Justice (Retd) Kothari said in Rajasthan the Lokayukta is not authorised to investigate or to take action and it can only recommend the government for legal action against an accused after verification of complaints.

The infrastructure of the anti-corruption body is not up to the mark in the state, he added.
Expressing concern over rising cases of corruption and misuse of post in corporations and government departments, he regretted that universities, corporations and other such institutions are beyond the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta.
Kothari said they have received a total of 3,751 complaints till March, of which 1,107 complaints were filed since he assumed the office six months ago, and added 1,749 complaints have been disposed of till date.
Stating that the Lokayukta functions independently in the state without any pressure from the state government, Justice (Retd) Kothari urged people to file complaints against corrupt officials or corruption in government departments.