Patna, Dec. 1: The state cabinet today gave its nod to the Bihar Lokayukta Bill, 2011, meant to rein in corruption in public life, but left the chief minister out of the selection committee on whose recommendation the Lokayukta would be appointed.

“The state cabinet approved the Bihar Lokayukta Bill 2011. Since it is a money bill, it will be sent to the governor for recommendation and after that the bill would be presented in the Assembly in the winter session itself,” said Ravikant, the principal secretary, cabinet coordination.

Asked about the changes, if any, in the bill, Ravikant refused to divulge details, saying “it has been made more stronger. The suggestions given by political parties have been incorporated in the bill”.

Sources said the government had conceded one of the major demands of the parties that the chief minister should not head the selection committee. Even the leader of Opposition has been kept out of the panel, minimising the role of politicians in the selection of the Lokayukta.

During an all-party meet on Saturday, politicians cutting across party lines, especially from the RJD and Congress, had vociferously demanded the exclusion of the chief minister and a minister from the selection committee.

Sources said the selection panel would have the power to put in place a search committee which would have members from the judiciary and civil society for selecting a suitable person to be appointed as Lokayukta.

The bill, after approval by the legislature, would replace the existing Bihar Lokayukta Act, 1973, according to which the existing body of Lokayukta has one chairperson and only has recommending powers.

According to the bill, the institution of the Lokayukta would be a multi-member body comprising one chairperson and two members. Of these three, at least two persons shall be judicial members.

To ensure that the new institution functions effectively, the bill also talks of setting up independent investigation and prosecution wings under the office of the Lokayukta.

The Lokayukta can investigate, besides others, the chief minister, ministers, every state government employee and members of boards and corporations which get grant from the state government. This would be in addition to all categories of government servants.

The term of the office of the chairperson and members would be five years or until he or she attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

Teacher retirement

In another major decision, the state government enhanced the superannuation age for university and college teachers from 62 to 65 years.

“As per the chief minister’s announcement made in the legislature, the cabinet gave its nod to enhance the retirement age up to 65 years for teachers of various universities and colleges. The decision would be applicable with effect from June 30, 2010,” Ravikant said.

A total of 33 decisions were taken at Thursday’s cabinet meet, including creation of a new category of contractors for taking up works under the CM area development scheme up to Rs 25 lakh, setting up of a new police station dedicated to the upcoming Nabinagar Thermal Power Plant in Aurangabad district and adding two more members to the two-member staff selection commission.