"Odisha to enact Lokayukta Act within one month"

Bhubaneswar: Committed to absolute transparency and probity in public life, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced setting up of a Lokayukta in the state within a month.

Though the Central Act provides for a window period of one year for the enactment of the relevant legislation, Patnaik said the Odisha government would get it done within one month.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after the state cabinet approved a proposal in this regard.

"The chief minister as well as the council of ministers will be under the purview of the state act," Patnaik said.

Claiming that his government always took tough, effective and exemplary steps in tackling corruption, Patnaik said improving transparency and delivery of public services were the priority of his government.

"In view of our government's commitment to fight corruption and bring in transparency in public life, the state government will get the legislation enacted," the Chief Minister said.

Claiming that his government had been a pioneer in the fight against corruption, Patnaik pointed out that the Odisha government passed the Special Court Act containing provisions for confiscation of the property of corrupt public servants or Public Service Delivery Act, which facilitates providing services in a time-bound manner.