BeyondHeadlines News Desk
New Delhi: The government is opposed to bringing the Prime Minister office or other MPs within the ambit of the civil society’s version of ombudsman – the Lok Pal.
Arvind Kejriwal told the media today after the fifth drafting committee meeting in the capital that “there were too many fundamental differences on the bill today.”
Prashant Bhushan added, “we were a bit disappointed by the response of the ministers. This whole concept of self-regulation does not work.” He was responding to ministers suggestions of self regulation.
Kapil Sibal, however, expressed the government’s commitment for a “transparent legislation” against corruption. He added, “We remain committed to provide the people an effective Lokpal.”
The civil society members want the PM office to be within the purview of the Lokpal and stressed for strict punishment for high-ranking officials accused of corruption.
So far there has been consensus on seven of the 34 points submitted by the civil society members.
In today’s meeting, agreement was reached on empowering the Lokpal to initiate a suo motu probe on corruption charges against ministers.
Current law allows so, only with the sanction of the PM. Similarly to try MPs, permission is sought from the respective speaker or chairman of the house.
