Context:
Karnataka Lokayukta filed a FIR against the Karnataka Chief Minister over land allotment irregularities.
Lokayukta:
- Anti-corruption ombudsman organization at the State level in India (Lokpal at the Center).
- Establishment – Under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, through enactment of a law by the State legislature.
- Structure – Not uniform across all states.
- Origin –
- Inspiration – Office of Ombudsman in Scandinavian countries.
- Recommendation – Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-70) recommended creating Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in the states.
- Early Adoption – Before the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, several states had already established Lokayukta institutions.
- Maharashtra was the first to establish a Lokayukta in 1971.
- Appointment –
- Appointed by the Governor.
- Generally, involves consultation with Chief Justice of the State High Court and Leader of Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly.
- Tenure –
- Duration – Generally 5 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- Reappointment – Not eligible for reappointment for a 2nd term.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) It encourages the inflow of foreign capital for infrastructure development
(b) It facilitates the proper distribution of finances among the Public Sector Undertakings
(c) It ensures transparency in financial administration
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context
Answer: (d)
