SAMAAN LATEEF
Srinagar, Apr 24: Dozens of social activists on Sunday evening held a candle light vigil here to stress the State Government to draft an anti-corruption legislation on the lines of Lokpal Bill at Centre.
Chanting slogans “enough is enough”, the activists assembled at Press Enclave here demanding the formation of joint Drafting Committee comprising representatives from Government and Civil society to prepare comprehensive anti-corruption legislation for the State.
Praising the seriousness of the Centre for drafting anti-corruption Lokpal Bill, J&K RTI Movement convenor, Dr Muzaffar Bhat, said, “We cannot be treated like second-class citizens when it comes to combating corruption with serious legislation. The people of J&K expect the same treatment as citizens of India. The formulation of Lokpal Bill at Centre is at final stage. Since the State has separate constitution, we want an anti-corruption legislation on the lines of Lokpal Bill.”
Bhat said, “We demand a Joint Drafting Committee comprising best legal luminaries in the State, Ministers, representatives from opposition parties and civil society and retired jurists for drafting the legislation.”
Elaborating the demand, he said the panel should have the mandate to study the State Vigilance Commission Act of 2011, the State Accountability Commission Act of 2003, the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1946 and the proposed Lokpal legislation.
The vigil was supported by the J&K RTI Movement, the Pensioner’s Welfare Association, the Senior Citizens Civil Society, Youth Parliament of J&K, Kashmir Economic Alliance and other civil society groups.
“Book corrupt officials and ministers under the Public Safety Act (PSA)” shouted an activist during the event.
Saying that J&K RTI movement does not intend to be part of the Committee, Dr Muzaffar Bhat said, “Our State being the second top corrupt States in the country needs tough anti-corruption laws.”
Commenting on State’s response on corruption, another RTI activist Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool said, “We have communicated to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, about the panel and he has asked for recommendations. But, submitting a list of recommendations is unacceptable as we have bad experiences with this government in the past regarding formulation of J&K RTI Act.”
He said, “A joint Drafting Committee is essential because SVC Act needs many changes including language, the clauses and to harmonize the provisions with each other.”
Awami National Conference vice-president, Muzaffar Shah also participated in the vigil.
Kalpana Tickoo, a Delhi-based Kashmiri who also attended the protest, said we have to look within ourselves to weed out corruption.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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