Amaravati: Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, reaffirmed on Friday that the TDP-led NDA Government will uphold the essence of the Lokayukta, despite the absence of a Leader of Opposition in the legislature.
Introducing a bill to amend the Lokayukta Act in the Legislative Council, Mr. Lokesh highlighted that changes to the Selection Committee’s composition were necessitated by the 2024 election results. Previously, the committee included the Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker, Home Minister, a Cabinet Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and the Council Chairman. With no current Leader of Opposition, the committee will now include four other members.
Mr. Lokesh clarified that the amendment ensures the Lokayukta Chairman will continue to be a retired Chief Justice or judge of the High Court, while the Upalokayukta will be a retired district judge. Addressing concerns from members, he stressed that the amendment retains provisions for scenarios without an Opposition Leader, ensuring fair representation.
Criticizing YSRCP’s absence in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) elections, Mr. Lokesh noted that governance remains the government’s priority. He pledged to carry forward the democratic responsibility entrusted by the people while preserving the spirit of the Lokayukta.
