A GOOD STEP FORWARD
BANGALORE: In a move to contain corruption in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, the Lokayukta initiated a Cash Declaration Register (CDR), two years ago. The scheme that failed to be implemented then, is now being pursued again to improve the image of the Palike.
Justice Santosh Hegde told Express that the scheme was intended for all the government offices and that it was an initiative of the Central Vigilance Commission, 1966, but had failed to be implemented efficiently.
He said the implementation was not done for ‘obvious’ reasons and added that the Palike would implement it at the earliest. Justice Hegde said that according to the scheme, all government officials, irrespective of their designations, had to declare the total amount they carry to office everyday, in a register present at every department.
“If there is any discrepancy found at the time of a ‘raid or trap’ by the Lokayukta, the officials should reveal the source of the additional amount found,” he said.
Hegde said that this was necessary to make all government agencies and departments more accountable and transparent.
Talking about the accountability of the newly-elected city councillors, Hegde said that any vested interests in the relationship between the corporator and the contractor would be scrutinised.
Hegde said that the MLAs and MLCs have to declare their assets to the Lokayukta before June 30 every year, and even councillors will not be spared. “This will not only increase my workload but also improve efficiency as there are city corporations at Mysore, Belgaum and other places,” he said.
Meanwhile, BBMP Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena welcomed this move and said that this was a step in the right direction. He also assured that all departments at the Palike would implement this efficiently.
Source: The New Indian Express
Date: 13.04.2010
