Curbing graft is priority, says Goa Lokayukta

Panaji (PTI): Goa's newly appointed Lokayukta has said it is premature for him to talk about magnitude of corruption in the state, but asserted all efforts would be made to curb the menace. "It's too early for me to speak about the nature, extent and magnitude of corruption in Goa. It would be premature on my part to speculate (on graft issue)," Justice (retd) B Sudarshan Reddy said. "But one thing I assure is that all possible steps within the structure of the (Lokayukta) Act shall be taken to curb menace of corruption at whatever level it may be." The former Supreme Court Judge was on March 16 sworn in as the first-ever Lokayukta of Goa amidst opposition from political parties like Congress which had objected to his selection for the post. Reddy started functioning as head of the anti-corruption body on Friday. About possible amendments to Goa Lokayukta Bill, 2013, which courted controversy for certain clauses, he said it is too early to make any suggestions. "It is too early to make suggestions. Only at a later stage, I would be in a position to suggest amendments that may be required to add more teeth to institution of Lokayukta." "I believe the Legislative Assembly is taking a fresh look and in such circumstances it would not be possible for me to make any comment (on changes in the Bill)," Reddy said.