Lokpal bill tabled in parliament

New Delhi : Leaving the prime minister’s inclusion to parliament but recommending constitutional status for the anti-graft ombudsman , a standing committee on the Lokpal Friday tabled its report in both houses of parliament .

“The committee recommended keeping group A and B employees within the ambit of the Lokpal while putting group C and D staff under the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC),” said panel head Abhishek Manu Singhvi .

He said the panel dealt with 24 issues and had unanimity on 13 issues. He also said the maximum dissent notes related to exclusion of Group C staff from the Lokpal.

He also said that the other controversial issue of bringing the prime minister within the ambit of the ombudsman has been left to the wisdom of parliament .

The panel also suggested keeping the speech and conduct of MPs in the house out of the Lokpal, saying Article 105 provides enough safeguards for the purpose.

The committee has left the judiciary out of the Lokpal, saying the issue will be dealt with separately by the judges’ accountability bill.

It has also recommended a separate grievance redressal bill to address the demand of a citizen’s charter.

According to the standing committee, a single enactment under Articles 253 and 254 of the constitution will enable the setting up of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas, with uniform powers in states.

The panel has suggested punitive measures to deal with false complaints .

Join the Conversation

1 Comment

Leave a comment
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.