Rajasthan Lokayukta Report Reveals Rampant Corruption, Calls Existing Law 'Toothless'

The Lokayukta of Rajasthan, in his report, has made strong remarks regarding the escape of corrupt individuals due to the weak legal provisions governing the Lokayukta institution in the state. The report describes the existing Lokayukta law of Rajasthan as inadequate in light of present circumstances and recommends radical reforms, including the establishment of a Special Police Establishment (SPE) and the power to conduct raids.

The recently published annual report states that people continue to face discrimination and corruption in their dealings with government agencies.

"Bad governance is like a termite which slowly destroys the foundation of the nation. Corruption is the root cause of this problem that our country is facing. Although many anti-corruption agencies exist in India, most of them are hardly independent. Even the CBI has been labeled a ‘caged parrot’ and ‘the voice of the master’ by the Supreme Court," the report notes.

Highlighting the plight of ordinary citizens in their interactions with the government system, the report points out that they often encounter undue delays, discrimination, and corruption. They are forced to run from pillar to post to have their grievances redressed. The Lokayukta institution, it emphasizes, is the only one that pays attention even to the most common complaints.

Notably, the Lokayukta in Rajasthan functions under the Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas Act, 1973, which offers limited powers compared to states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha. No public representative, not even a Sarpanch, falls under the Lokayukta’s purview in Rajasthan.

There are 99 sanctioned posts in the Lokayukta Secretariat, with more than 20 percent currently vacant. While the number of complaints continues to rise — over 2,000 are filed annually — there is insufficient staff to investigate them.

In light of this, the report recommends strengthening the institution by expanding its jurisdiction and equipping it with adequate funds, functions, and authority.

"The need of the hour is to take the Lokayukta institution out of the shell of a recommendatory body and make it capable and strong enough to work independently," the report asserts. It adds that the limited jurisdiction of the Lokayukta is a major obstacle in effectively preventing corruption and irregularities. Officers, employees, and leaders involved in serious corruption and misconduct often escape Lokayukta scrutiny due to this lack of jurisdiction — setting a poor example for other public servants.

The Lokayukta has proposed the creation of a separate Special Police Establishment under its control, with powers to conduct raids and investigations. Additionally, it recommends bringing elected representatives like Sarpanches and Deputy Sarpanches, Councillors, officers of cooperative institutions, Vice Chancellors, and university staff under its investigative ambit.