While we are all battling the COVID-19 pandemic which has to be everyone’s a priority, we cannot ignore the fact that the much needed now vacant post of the Lokayukta must not remain deserted given the rampant corruption and mounting cases of rank mal-administration that Goa is witnessing.
The hardcore and very low caliber of our current ruling politicians stands exposed with the revelation that even during the lockdown, they did not hesitate to enrich their pockets through even the now infamous labour scam. Goa cannot remain without a formidable Lokayukta who has to vigilantly oversee the working of this now faltering government and maintain a check on its every wrongful act of omission and commission. The Lokayukta is the single most valuable tool that the common man has at its disposable to obtain justice. Corruption hurts the public directly and tragically as it penalizes the honest and rewards the dishonest. A formidable and upright Lokayukta will investigate cases of corruption, where substantiated, recommend action even if it emanates from the powerful government machinery and its maladministration. It is a legal necessity for every individual as it is a great check on corruption, brings about transparency in the system, makes administrative machinery citizen friendly. It is vital that a Lokayukta is in place urgently with powers to take cognizance of citizens’ grievances promptly, dexterously and expeditiously through simple informal mechanism devoid of technicalities. The Goa Lokayukta Act was enacted in 2011 to provide for the establishment of the Institution of Lokayukta and to inquire into grievances and allegations against Public functionaries in the State of Goa. We and this now comatose government cannot lose sight of. Any form of justice for the citizen must be welcomed and readily accessible promptly, especially against the evil of corruption that destroys the individual and society and which is acknowledged as the main evil that undermines the values of democracy, morality, social, political and economic development. Justice delayed is justice denied. To delay justice is an injustice! Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com