27th, Sept, 2023
Topic: Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill 2023 passed
Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains are essential.
Importance for Prelims: Indian polity and governance – Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Significance for the Mains Exam:
- PAPER-V: GENERAL STUDIES-II : New Bills (polity)
What is the news?
- The Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the Vidhan Sabha today. This will allow a judge from the High Court to be appointed as Lokayukta.
What changes have been made?
- According to the Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta Act, earlier only the HC chief justice was eligible for appointment to the post.
- It’s important to note that the state government changed the rule in 2021 to allow other High Court judges to be appointed as Lokayuktas.
- For the same reason, Section 7 of the law had to be changed.
- From now on, if a judge is chosen as a Lokayukta, they will be able to get the salary and benefits that come with the job.
About the Lokayukta of Himachal Pradesh:
- For the state of Himachal Pradesh, the Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta is the voice of the people in the government. It is a high-level legal body set up by the state of Himachal Pradesh under the Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 2014.
How is it appointed?
- A committe made up of the State Chief Minister, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Chairman of the Legislative Council, and Leader of the Opposition of the Legislative Council makes suggestions to the Governor. The Governor then chooses the Lokayukta for the state.
Important parts of the Lokayukta system are:
- The Lokayukta is an independent body in India that fights crime at the state level.
- It is chosen by the state’s governor and its job is to look into claims of corruption against public employees and make suggestions for what should be done.
- There are also times when the Lokayukta can look into cases of bad government and power abuse.
- Anyone, even government workers, can make a complaint with the Lokayukta.
- It is possible for the Lokayukta to search and raid homes, call witnesses, and ask for papers.
- If the Lokayukta finds proof of corruption, it can tell the government what to do, like charging the person, punishing them, or removing them from office.
- For making the government more open and responsible, the Lokayukta system is a useful tool. A good way for people to fight injustice and bad government is also made available through this.
(Source: hindustantimes)
Topic: CUHP, French institute to engage in exchange programmes
Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains are essential.
Importance for Prelims: Social sector initiatives
Significance for the Mains Exam:
- PAPER-VI: GENERAL STUDIES-III : Appraisal of education
What is the news?
- Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, Sat Prakash Bansal, has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the St. Marie de Chavagnes Institute in Cannes, France.
What are the agreements?
- The deals say that students and teachers from the CUHP and the St. Marie de Chavagnes Institute in France will be able to take part in exchange programs.
- These programs will let them share their knowledge and experiences, try out new ways of teaching, and improve their skills.
- The MoUs would help to speed up the growth of joint study and education.
- Research projects would use resources from both schools. This would help students and society in both countries in the long run.
(Source: The Tribune)