New Delhi: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee initiated the debate on the Lokpal Bill with a statement in the Lok Sabha. The discussion will focus largely on the version of the anti-corruption bill drafted by activist Anna Hazare and his associates. Anna is on the 12th day of his hunger strike; he says he will not eat till the government agrees to three features that he deems essential for an effective Lokpal or ombudsman committee. The Lokpal is intended to function as an independent agency that will handle charges of corruption against all public servants. The government has prepared one draft of the Lokpal Bill; Anna wants his version to be adopted; other activists have prepared their own drafts.
These are the highlights of Mr Mukherjee's speech:
Mr Mukherjee said there are six major issues of divergence:
We wrote to all parties to collect their views; Samajwadi Party and BSP did not respond. BJP said civil society cannot be decision makers. After an all-party meeting we called, all parties said that supremacy of Parliament must be maintained, institutions of democracy cannot be undermined, laws have to be made by parliamentarians.
On August 23, we clarified to Anna's representatives that the Lokpal Bill has been sent to the Standing Committee and all options are open, including considering the Jan Lokpal Bill (Anna's version). Then we requested Speaker to formally refer Jan Lokpal to standing committee for its consideration. The government can also request the committee to fast-track its deliberations.
All of us want the agitation to end; at same time we have to abide by Constitution. My submission on both sides is please give your response within the framework of Constitution. We are at a crossroads. I am not exaggerating. The entire nation is watching. The world's largest democracy is at a very crucial stage.
These are the highlights of Mr Mukherjee's speech:
- Would like to again appeal to Anna to end his fast
- Discussions were held to discuss the draft of the Lokpal
- There is agreement on 20 of 40 basic principles put forward by government and civil society activists
- BJP chief's letter in June said civil society not decision makers, Parliament must have last word
- Told Team Anna no immediate commitment possible
- Explained to Team Anna that we need multi-layered laws
Mr Mukherjee said there are six major issues of divergence:
- One single act be provided for both Lokpal in Centre and Lokpal state. Will state govt be willing to accept draft provisions for Lokayukta on same lines as Lokpal?
- Should PM be covered by Lokpal?
- Should judges of high Court and Supreme Court be brought within ambit of Lokpal?
- Should conduct of MPs inside parliament be brought within purview of the Lokpal?
- Should Lokpal have quasi-judicial powers?
- Can all civil servants be punished and dismissed by Lokpal and Lokayuktas?
We wrote to all parties to collect their views; Samajwadi Party and BSP did not respond. BJP said civil society cannot be decision makers. After an all-party meeting we called, all parties said that supremacy of Parliament must be maintained, institutions of democracy cannot be undermined, laws have to be made by parliamentarians.
On August 23, we clarified to Anna's representatives that the Lokpal Bill has been sent to the Standing Committee and all options are open, including considering the Jan Lokpal Bill (Anna's version). Then we requested Speaker to formally refer Jan Lokpal to standing committee for its consideration. The government can also request the committee to fast-track its deliberations.
All of us want the agitation to end; at same time we have to abide by Constitution. My submission on both sides is please give your response within the framework of Constitution. We are at a crossroads. I am not exaggerating. The entire nation is watching. The world's largest democracy is at a very crucial stage.
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