Bangalore: Corruption is a Menace, Weakening of Lokayukta Won’t be Allowed: Governor
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 26: Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bhardhwaj utilised the opportunity of the Republic Day celebrations to voice his concern over the menace of corruption in public life and asserted that the attempts to weaken the institution of Lokayukta, a main weapon to the citizens in fighting against corruption, will not be allowed.
In his public address to the people of Karnataka after the hoisting the national tricolor to mark the 63rd Republic Day at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bangalore, which was attended by the Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and top bureaucracy, police officers as well as army officers amid tight security, the Governor said the Karnataka Lokayukta has rendered an exemplary service and done the State proud.
''Let me assure you that there shall be no dilution or weakening of the Lokayukta,” he declared to the thunderous applause from the large gathering of public, including students of schools and colleges.
The Governor, who earlier took salute and inspected the guard of honour by going round the ground in an open jeep, said there is a strong discontent in the society and lack of probity in public life. People are fed up with the menace of corruption in public life, he said.
''Society is demanding an environment free from corruption and we will have to work to fulfill it,” he said making it clear that any attempt to weaken the administrative structure and institutions should be scrupulously avoided.
''Instead, we should strive to build strong institutions and traditions, which will outlive the individuals who create them. There is need to work hard to ensure the independence of police administration and providing the security of tenure keeping in mind the recommendations of National Police Commission,” the Governor said.
The Governor said strict vigil must be maintained on certain fringe elements working overtime to disturb the peace and harmony.
Taking note of the serious bottlenecks in implementation of various government programmes, the Governor said loopholes must be plugged in a timely manner to ensure the fruits of these programmes reach the intended beneficiaries in efficient manner. ''The continuous monitoring and evaluation of government programmes is a must for achieving this objective,” he said.
Karnataka is the first state to establish an independent State Evaluation Authority to evaluate all development programmes in an transparent and effective manner to ensure their proper implementation, he said.
Referring to appointment of Panchayat Development Officers for strengthening of panchayasts, he said: ''These young officers should not get disillusioned because of their immediate exposure to intense political influences and undue pressure brought upon them.”
The Governor asked university teachers to attract better talent and help improve the standards of education to remain competitive and relevant in the face of intense competition in the global world. ''Universities cannot merely remain as teaching shops,” he said.
The State has embarked upon starting several new universities catering to different specialized areas. The teachers in all the universities are also granted UGC scales. UGC stipulated certain standards to be maintained in the universities.
It is necessary that in the interest of maintaining the standards, the UGC regulations need to be followed scrupulously, the Governor said pointing out the need for proactively encourage research activities in the universities.
Referring to malnutrition, Bhardwaj said even after three decades of implementation of Integrated Child Development Programme introduced by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi: ''We are still witnessing prevalence of malnutrition. We need to redouble our efforts with a clear focus on improving the conditions and invest wisely on our children.”