Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29: In a significant move, the Orissa government today decided to bring public representatives, employees of panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), and urban local bodies under the ambit of the Lokpal and Lok Ayukta Act. The Orissa cabinet today gave its nod to a proposal to this effect.

With this new rule, activities of the 6,234 panchayat samitis, 314 panchayt samitis and 30 zilla parishads will come under the Lokpal Act.

Chief secretary Bijay Patnaik said: “It has become necessary after the 13th Finance Commission’s recommendations. The Finance Commission will release funds to those panchayati raj institutions which come under the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act.”

State panchayati raj minister Maheswar Mohanty said: “It was a welcome move. All public representatives should come under the Lokpal Act.”