Bengaluru: Underlining the importance of Lokayukta police in ensuring that government departments are free from corruption, Karnataka Lokayukta justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty advised the police to maintain a high level of integrity.
“You ought to set an example by imparting your duties in an unquestionable manner, which could only be possible if you are honest. Remember, you are to set everything right inthe government departments and people have a lot of expectations from you,” Justice Shetty said during a training programme here at the Karnataka Lokayukta office on Saturday.
Lokayukta was created to monitor the functioning of government departments and root out corruption. For this to happen, Lokayukta ought to be made a strong, independent and an upright institution comprising honest officers, Justice Shetty added. He emphasised on the independency of the Lokayukta for effective results, while advising the Lokayukta police to keep updated with the latest happenings and amendments in the laws.
Expressing disappointment over the corrupt practices in the country, Lokayukta ADGP aSanjay Sahay said that it was in the DNA of our society. A few years ago there was a huge clamour in the country for the implementation of Jan Lokpal, but now no one is talking about it nor fighting for its implementation. In such a situation, it’s our responsibility to work for the elimination of corruption, which was making our system hollow, he said.
‘Cops hate being in mufti’
As all the Lokayukta policemen, who generally move in plainclothes, had turned up in police uniform for the function, Justice Shetty, on a lighter note, remarked that he now knew the reason why Lokayukta police were keen on getting transferred to other police wings. “I understand the feeling of being in police uniform. It gives you confidence and a feeling that you belong to a force which works towards protecting the society. I know you are fed up being in mufti which is what make you to choose law and order over Lokayukta,” Justice Shetty said, while the audience burst into laughter
