KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 28: In a determined bid to institutionalize accountability and fight the deepening menace of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir, CPI(M) leader and MLA from Kulgam, M. Y. Tarigami on Tuesday introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Lokayukta (Anti-Corruption) Bill, 2025 in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill seeks to establish an independent and autonomous Lokayukta empowered to investigate complaints of corruption and maladministration against public functionaries, including legislators, bureaucrats, and senior government officials.
The move comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been frequently reporting trap and arrest cases almost on a day-to-day basis, exposing the alarming extent of graft within various departments. These recurring reports, Tarigami argued, reflect an urgent need for a stronger, independent institutional mechanism to restore integrity in governance and rebuild citizens’ trust in public offices.
Under the proposed law, the Lokayukta would have statutory powers comparable to the national-level Lokpal, with the authority to inquire into complaints, summon witnesses, and recommend disciplinary or legal action against officials found guilty of corruption or maladministration. The Bill also provides that once appointed, the Lokayukta cannot be dismissed or transferred except through an impeachment motion passed by the Legislative Assembly — a safeguard to ensure complete independence from executive interference.
‘A Serious Move to Restore Faith in Governance’
Explaining the intent behind the Bill, Tarigami made it clear that the proposal was not symbolic but a serious legislative initiative aimed at combating corruption and restoring public confidence in governance.
“The objective is to strengthen mechanisms of accountability and promote transparency in public administration. The Lokayukta will provide citizens with a credible, independent forum to raise complaints against corruption and maladministration. It is essential to restore faith in our institutions,” Tarigami said while addressing the Assembly.
He emphasized that the growing number of corruption cases being unearthed by the ACB underlines how pervasive the problem has become. “Every week, we see reports of officials being trapped and arrested for taking bribes. This is a disturbing reflection of how corruption has seeped into our administrative fabric. We need a permanent, independent watchdog that operates with both authority and impartiality,” Tarigami asserted.
Acknowledging that Jammu and Kashmir currently functions as a Union Territory, Tarigami maintained that this should not be used as an excuse to delay reforms. “While there are central investigating agencies like the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, the Lokayukta would serve as a local, people-centric mechanism capable of addressing grievances swiftly and ensuring transparency at the grassroots level,” he said.
Govt Cites Legal Hurdles Under UT Status
Responding to Tarigami’s proposal, the Chief Minister appreciated the intent behind the Bill but stated that it cannot be enacted under the present Union Territory framework. Citing Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the Chief Minister explained that the establishment of Lokayuktas applies only to states, not Union Territories.
“As a Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir comes under the jurisdiction of the Government of India and its laws. The Prevention of Corruption Act applies uniformly to everyone, and agencies such as the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and Anti-Corruption Bureau are already empowered to investigate corruption cases,” the Chief Minister clarified.
He, however, acknowledged the importance of such institutions and assured that once statehood is restored, the proposal to set up an independent Lokayukta or revive the Accountability Commission would be reconsidered. “Institutions like the Accountability Commission have served as vital mechanisms of oversight in the past. Their re-establishment could be taken up when Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood,” the Chief Minister said.
A Timely Step Toward Institutional Integrity
Observers have described Tarigami’s initiative as a timely and serious step toward reinforcing transparency and public accountability in Jammu and Kashmir’s governance system. At a time when corruption-related arrests have become almost routine, the move signals a strong legislative intent to address what many see as a systemic problem.
Several legislators across party lines reportedly supported the proposal, emphasizing that citizens’ faith in governance depends on visible, independent mechanisms of accountability.
By moving this Bill, Tarigami has reopened the debate on the urgent need for a home-grown anti-corruption framework, one capable of functioning independently of political or bureaucratic influence — a crucial prerequisite for ensuring clean governance and restoring credibility in public institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
