Lokpal Bill tabled in Rajya Sabha, SP to oppose it
24 Nov 2012 6:53 AM IST
The report of the Select Committee on Lokpal Bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Friday. The controversial bill was passed by the Lok Sabha last year. There were many provisions which had faced opposition hurdle in the Rajya Sabha, including the one making it mandatory for states to set up Lokayuktas.
Kiran Bedi, aide of anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, said that prime minister being exempted from the purview of the bill on issues such as Defence and Law and Order is a debatable issue.
The report has recommended de-linking of creation of Lokayuktas in states from the central bill and exemption of the Prime Minister from the ambit of Lokpal on issues of external and internal security, atomic energy, international relations and public order. The select committee has also not recommended any change in the provision relating to reservation. The original provision said not less than 50 per cent of the members of Lokpal would be from SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women.
The panel has said state governments will have to set up their own ombudsman through enactment of law by state legislatures within one year of the central law coming into force. It has also recommended that CBI chief be appointed by a collegium comprising the PM, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. It also recommended that CBI should have a separate Directorate of Prosecution under a director who should function under agency chief.
It said the Director of Prosecution should be appointed by CVC. The panel also recommended NGOs getting direct support in form of funds from the government be only covered by Lokpal or the proposed institution will be flooded by complaints. The BJP has strong objection to the provision on reservation. Samajwadi Party has said it will strongly oppose the bill in Parliament.
Kiran Bedi, aide of anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, said that prime minister being exempted from the purview of the bill on issues such as Defence and Law and Order is a debatable issue.
The report has recommended de-linking of creation of Lokayuktas in states from the central bill and exemption of the Prime Minister from the ambit of Lokpal on issues of external and internal security, atomic energy, international relations and public order. The select committee has also not recommended any change in the provision relating to reservation. The original provision said not less than 50 per cent of the members of Lokpal would be from SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women.
The panel has said state governments will have to set up their own ombudsman through enactment of law by state legislatures within one year of the central law coming into force. It has also recommended that CBI chief be appointed by a collegium comprising the PM, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. It also recommended that CBI should have a separate Directorate of Prosecution under a director who should function under agency chief.
It said the Director of Prosecution should be appointed by CVC. The panel also recommended NGOs getting direct support in form of funds from the government be only covered by Lokpal or the proposed institution will be flooded by complaints. The BJP has strong objection to the provision on reservation. Samajwadi Party has said it will strongly oppose the bill in Parliament.
Next Story
