Lokayukta committed to eradicating corruption : Upa Lokayukta

Udupi: Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa said the institution is committed to eradicating corruption, one of the biggest threats to democracy, and urged officials to serve with integrity and duty.He was speaking after inaugurating a meeting on the hearing and disposal of pending Lokayukta cases at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hall in Rajatadri, Manipal, Thursday.
Justice Veerappa said that despite 79 years of Independence, delays persist in the justice delivery system, including in Lokayukta cases. He said freedom came through great sacrifice, and citizens must exercise their legal rights and seek justice without fear.He asked officials to provide public services within the stipulated time and to avoid making citizens visit offices repeatedly. He said officials and the public must work together to curb corruption and cautioned voters against inducements during elections.Pointing to Udupi district's progress in education, he said officials must serve honestly. "Only then can public service be meaningful. The term corruption must disappear from public life," he said.Justice Veerappa said he was visiting districts across the state to review and dispose of Lokayukta cases, and around 150 pending cases in Udupi district were taken up. He warned that filing false complaints could attract up to three years' imprisonment and fines.Principal district and sessions judge Kiran Gangannavar, who presided, urged officials to adopt new approaches and address shortcomings proactively. He said the meeting helped officials review complaints and improve their functioning.Deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK said Udupi district ranks first in disposing of public applications within the stipulated time and second in education.Lokayukta deputy registrar (inquiry-1) Aravind NV, ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, SP Hariram Shankar, Mangaluru division Lokayukta SP BP Dinesh Kumar, deputy conservator of forests Ruthren P, Kudremukh wildlife division, and other district- and taluk-level officers attended.Cases related to the lack of basic facilities in student hostels, welfare homes, residential schools and govt institutions were reviewed and resolved based on Lokayukta reports. Complaints of alleged corruption against RTO and sub-registrar officials were deferred due to the complainants' absence.Justice Veerappa also directed authorities to ensure land allotments due to ex-servicemen, dependants of martyrs and freedom fighters are provided without delay as per rules.