Who is Lokayukta? Check the Complete List of Lokayuktas of Indian States

The Lokayukta is an important anti-corruption authority in India that works at the state level. It acts like an independent watchdog to check misuse of power by government officials and politicians. The idea behind the Lokayukta is to provide quick and fair justice to citizens who face problems due to corruption or wrong actions in government administration. It plays a major role in strengthening transparency and accountability.

What is Lokayukta?

The Lokayukta is a state-level ombudsman (complaint authority) that investigates complaints against public officials. It was formally supported by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

In simple words, the Lokayukta listens to people’s complaints about corruption or unfair practices and takes action after proper investigation.

Appointment of Lokayukta

The Lokayukta is appointed by the Governor of the state. However, the selection is not done by one person alone. It involves consultation with several important authorities.

Key Points about Lokayukta

  • Appointed by the Governor
  • Recommended by the Chief Minister
  • Consultation with:
  1. Chief Justice of the High Court
  2. Leader of opposition
  3. Speaker of Legislative Assembly
  4. Chairman of Legislative Council (if applicable)

Eligibility

  • Must be a current or retired judge of a High Court
  • Often a retired Chief Justice is preferred

Tenure

  • Usually 5 years or
  • Up to 65 years of age (whichever comes earlier)

Removal

  • Cannot be removed easily
  • Can only be removed through an impeachment process by the State Assembly

History of Lokayukta

The concept of Lokayukta was first suggested in 1966 by the Administrative Reforms Commission led by Morarji Desai. The aim was to reduce corruption and improve government functioning.

Development Over Time

  • 1968: First Lokpal Bill introduced in Parliament but not passed
  • 1971: Maharashtra passed the Lokayukta Act
  • 1972: Maharashtra became the first state to establish Lokayukta
  • 1980s-2000s: Many states created their own Lokayukta laws
  • 2013: Lokpal and  Lokayuktas Act passed for uniformity

Timeline of Major Events

  • 1963: Idea discussed in Parliament
  • 1966: Recommendation by Administrative Reforms Commission
  • 1968: Lokpal Bill introduced
  • 1971: Maharashtra passes Lokayukta Act
  • 1972: First Lokayukta established in Maharashtra
  • 1983: Odisha establishes Lokayukta
  • 2005: Reforms Commission pushes for Lokpal
  • 2011: Anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare
  • 2013: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act passed
  • 2016: Asset declaration rules introduced

Jurisdiction and Powers of Lokayukta

The Lokayukta has the authority to investigate complaints against various public of officials.

Who comes Under Lokayukta?

  • Chief Minister
  • Ministers
  • MLAs and MLCs
  • Government officers (IAS, IPS, etc.)
  • Employees of public sector organizations
  • Local bodies and government-funded institutions

Power

  • Investigate corruption cases
  • Conduct inquiries and hearings
  • Recommend actions or punishment
  • In some states, powers of search and seizure

However, powers differ from state to state because each state has its own law.

List of Lokayukta in Indian States

The Lokayukta in Indian states is an anti-corruption authority that investigates complaints against public officials and help ensure transparency, accountability, and fair governance in administration.

Here is the list of Lokayukta in Indian states:

Indian States Lokayukta
Andhra Pradesh Justice P. Lakshman Reddy
Arunachal Pradesh Justice Prashanta Kumar Saikia
Assam Justice C.R. Sarma
Bihar Justice Shyam Kishore Sharma
Chhattisgarh T.P. Sharma
Delhi Justice Harish Chandra Mishra
Goa Justice Prafulla Kumar Mishra
Gujarat Justice Rajesh Shukla
Haryana Hari Pal Verma
Himachal Pradesh C.B. Barowalia
Jharkhand Justice D.N. Upadhyay
Karnataka Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty
Kerala Justice Cyriac Joseph
Madhya Pradesh Justice Naresh Kumar Gupta
Maharashtra Sanjay Bhatia
Manipur Justice (Retd.) T. Nandakumar Singh
Meghalaya Pranoy Kumar Musahary
Mizoram C. Lalsawta
Nagaland Justice Uma Nath Singh
Odisha Justice Ajit Singh
Punjab Justice Vinod Kumar Sharma
Rajasthan Justice Pratap Krishna Lohara
Sikkim Justice Anand Prakash Subba
Tamil Nadu P. Devadass
Telangana Justice (Retd.) C.V. Ramulu
Tripura Justice Subal Baidya
Uttar Pradesh Justice Sanjay Mishra
Uttarakhand Vacant
West Bengal Justice (Retd.) Rabindranath Samanta

Significance of Lokayukta

The Lokayukta plays a very important role in Indian democracy.

Key Importance:

  • Helps control corruption
  • Provides justice to common people
  • Improves government accountability
  • Builds trust between citizens and government
  • Ensures transparency in administration
Akansha Arora

My role as a content writer specializing in current affairs at Adda247 involves meticulously researching and crafting compelling articles aimed at guiding and informing candidates preparing for National and State Level Competitive Government Exams. With a dedication to educational excellence, I strive to keep our candidates abreast of the latest developments and trends in current affairs. By providing insightful and engaging content, I aim to ensure that aspiring candidates are well-prepared and informed for their examinations.

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