Odisha passes Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2022

The Assembly on Monday passed Odisha Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2022 by voice vote allowing the BJD ruled state government to make suitable changes in the original Act.

According to the amendment, like Supreme Court and High Court, Lokayukta can issue contempt notice to anyone.

Government servants need to comply with the notices/orders of the Lokayukta for timely disposal of compliance report.

If the officers will be failed to do so then it will be treated as misconduct entailing departmental enquiry/ disciplinary proceedings against the officer concerned on the recommendation of the former.

As per the bill, the Chief Minister will be the head of the Lokayukta. Even after senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra opposed the move, the bill was passed in the house.

The Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly was adjourned sine die three days ahead of its schedule, amid ruckus by opposition members in the House over discussion on chit fund and farmers’ issues.

The session was scheduled to continue till August 4

Earlier on July 19, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the proposed five amendments to the act.

The Odisha government approved 17 proposals including IT policy.

Going by the policy, 25 per cent of fixed capital investment will be provided as capital subsidy limited to Rs 20 crore.

Besides, 15 per cent of the cost of developing solar power plant subject to maximum of Rs 25 lakhs will be reimbursed. Greenfield IT Parks would be made eligible for complete reimbursement of stamp duty or registration fee or conversion fee.