Lokayukta working even on holidays to clear pending cases: B.S. Patil
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Karnataka Lokayukta B.S. Patil addressing a press conference in Koppal on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Karnataka Lokayukta B.S. Patil has said that the institution is making concerted efforts to expedite the disposal of pending cases and address public grievances, with its judicial officers and staff working even on Saturdays, Sundays and other public holidays despite a shortage of personnel.
Speaking at a press conference in Koppal on Friday, he said around 30 to 35 judicial officers, along with their staff, were regularly attending office on holidays to ensure the speedy disposal of cases.
“We have not stopped our operations citing a shortage of officers or staff, and we will not do so in the future either,” he said, adding that efforts were also being made to recruit additional judicial officers and staff to strengthen the institution.
Expressing concern over the growing number of complaints, Mr. Patil said the number of cases being registered every day had nearly doubled compared to the number pending when he assumed office as Lokayukta. The increasing number of complaints was a matter of concern, he observed, urging government officials to discharge their duties efficiently and respond promptly to people’s grievances.
“Officials should perform their duties efficiently and address public grievances at the departmental level itself so that people are not compelled to approach the Lokayukta for redressal,” he said.
He also said the Lokayukta had conducted surprise inspections at various government establishments, including Food and Civil Supplies offices, tahsildar offices, Regional Transport Offices, gram panchayats, hostels and schools, during its visits to Koppal and other districts.
“Teams comprising around 65 officers and staff had carried out inspections in four districts over four consecutive days. Based on media reports and public complaints regarding issues such as the collapse of school roofs and inadequate basic infrastructure, the Lokayukta had registered suo motu cases in Koppal district, taking serious note of the lapses,” he said.
Mr. Patil warned that individual accountability would be fixed and stringent legal action initiated against officials found guilty of dereliction of duty, maladministration or corruption.
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