Reporting assets to Lokayukta; documents since 1999 dumped in sacks; no online provision either

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The law requiring government officials and public servants to report their assets to the Lokayukta every two years is not being employed. Only a small percentage of employees and politicians are providing asset information. However, there is no mechanism in the Lokayukta to check this. Documents regarding details of assets since 1999 are tied in sacks and dumped in three rooms. The verification would have been efficient if the asset information had been made online.

Employees of universities and boards, representatives of local bodies and office-bearers of political parties are all required to disclose their assets to the Lokayukta. Earlier, state leaders of political parties were also required to provide property information. It has been made applicable till the district-level office bearers with the new amendment. The Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs have to provide asset information to the Governor.

Most of the employees do not know that they have to disclose assets in Lokayukta. The Lokayukta had sent a notice to the representatives of local bodies asking for this. Employees should download the form from the Lokayukta website, fill in the asset details and send it by post. Most people don't bother to do this. Only those who are not corrupt give accurate asset information. The Lokayukta is also trying to amend the rules so that the accumulated records of assets can be destroyed.

Can order a central inquiry

Lokayukta can order an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department and Vigilance in case of illegitimate assets. The Lokayukta is also empowered to publish the information of those who have not disclosed their assets. Asset records can also be provided under RTI if public interest is proven.

Can be made online: Digital University

Attempts to make asset information data online have been unsuccessful for years. The one-and-a-half crore project recently submitted by Digital University is under consideration of the Lokayukta.