Moa Jamir
Implementation of good governance initiatives, transparency and promotion of the culture of meritocracy has been the stated objectives of the erstwhile People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government, rechristened as the United Democratic Alliance of Nagaland. Among others, it entails creating institutional mechanisms to check corrupt practices, giving equal employment opportunities, and enforcement of policy decisions following rules and regulations as well as making them accessible freely in the public domain.
To walk the talk, several initiatives have been undertaken in the recent past showing a semblance of achievement to the pledges of good governance. However, in the area of corruption, an issue which everyone speaks about and agrees is detrimental to the well-being and progress of society; things appear to be more words, rather than actions. Corrupt practices in governance are currently assumed to be endemic in the State and often such initiatives are viewed with cynicism and considered symbolic.
Such conclusion is most perceptible on the issue of Nagaland Lokayukta or rather the non-appointment of a full-fledged anti-corruption watchdog for over 1 year and 7 months, since the unceremonious exit of the previous incumbent from the office. However, the enthusiasm shown by the State Government in petitioning for the removal of the then Nagaland Lokayukta amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the Supreme Court, is conspicuously missing in appointing a new one.
To recollect, while the Nagaland Lokayukta Act mandated filing up the post of Lokayukta or Upa-Lokayukta within six months of vacancy, the State Government introduced an amendment on the opening day of the Eighth Session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on August 3, 2021. Incidentally, it was just 2 days before the expiry of six month period provided by the previous Act (February 5-August 5). The new amendment extended the vacancy period to 1 year.
More surprisingly, while most Bills introduced during a session seldom lapses, the Nagaland Lokayukta (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 was passed only on the 9th Session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in November. It was only this year in March that the Assembly was informed that the Amendment Bill was signed into law by the Governor of Nagaland.
Five months after, the State Government seems to be in no hurry to appoint one, putting under scrutiny the government’s intention, while it can be charged with dilly-dallying over the appointment. Similar concerns have been shared by this column earlier. Most importantly, while only a judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court or a judge of the High Court was eligible for appointment as Lokayukta, the amendment lowered the criteria by adding “a person who has vast knowledge of law and experience in judicial matters or courts or a person of impeccable integrity, outstanding ability having special knowledge and expertise of not less than twenty years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance, including insurance and banking, law and management…”
The State Government may cite a lack of eligible candidates in lowering the criteria as well as for non- appointment the Lokayukta, however, its action (or lack of) in the recent past can be construed as ‘All words, little action’ in ensuring the integrity of the office of the anti-corruption ombudsman.
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