Belgaum: The six-day visit of Lokayukta N. Venkatachala to over 50 government establishments, including hospitals and hostels, in ten taluks of Belgaum district has created an awareness among the people about the mechanism to deal with corrupt government officials.

During the Lokayukta's visit, four officials were suspended with immediate effect and inquiries were ordered in more than a dozen cases.

His visits to the offices of Sub-Registrars, taluk panchayat, city and town municipalities and government hospital evoked good response from the public.

During the Lokayukta's visit, citizens named the officials and doctors who allegedly demanded money from them to pass orders or issue certificates, land documents, licences and to conduct surgeries.

But the question doing the rounds in the district is why is the Lokaykta targeting only small fish?

While people in urban areas were impressed with the Lokayukta's action, those living in villages affected by last year's floods in Chikkodi and Athani taluk were disappointed that he did not visit at least their village to look into reports of irregularities in the disbursement of relief and compensation.

Many wanted to know why the Lokayukta did not show interest in visiting these areas and hear their grievances on distribution of Rs. 147 crores as relief and compensation.

The citiezens of Bailhongal were keen that the Lokayukta should look into files pertaining to roadworks. But their wish remained unfulfilled.

A few police officers expressed surprise at the manner in which the Lokayukta and H. Sudarshan, Chairman of Karnataka Health Task Force, questioned them and forced them to confess to corruption and name their higher authorities.

The institution of Lokayukta was formed by the Ramakrishna

Hegde Government to improve public administration by looking into complaints against the administrative actions, including cases of corruption, favouritism and indiscipline. Ever since he took charge in July 2001, Mr. Venkatachala, a retired Supreme Court judge, has adopted a pro-active approach to tackle corruption and amassing of wealth allegedly by public servants.

"We can do nothing about it, it's everywhere and everybody is involved, it's widespread and well organised," he said during one of his interactions with presspersons here.

As if to prove him right, barely a week after the Lokayukta left the district, the touts are back in business at the offices of Regional Transport Officer, Sub-Registrar and tahsildar.

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