Madikeri: Lokayukta has its own powers good enough to take necessary measures, opined Lokayuktha Justice Vishwanth Shetty.

Speaking at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office auditorium on May 3, Justice Shetty declined to accept the public view that the premiere state investigating agency is diluted after the government created Anti Corruption bureau (ACB).

Government officials must dedicate themselves in the service of the poor failing which action will be initiated against them, Justice Shetty warned. Transparency, efficiency and accountability should be the areas of focus in administration, he added.

Many complaints are pouring in with regard to functioning in local bodies. The officials should prevent the origination of such complaints by attending to them within the stipulated time, Justice Shetty said.

He cited examples of delay in clearing land conversion files and house construction projects.

Lokayukta has inherent powers to take severe action against erring officials but believes in taking officials into confidence to ensure quality service, Justice Shetty clarified.

He elaborated on the pro-poor schemes introduced by the state government and said the onus rested on the government officials to ensure that the benefits reached the deserving people.

Lokayukta ADGP Parashivamurthy instructed the officials on smooth functioning to ensure that the poor are benefitted.

Kodagu DC Dr. Richard Vincent D’Souza, SP Rajendra Prasad, ZP–CEO Charulatha Somal and many other officials from the district administration were present.