New Delhi: The much talked about Lokpal
Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha by August three and
it will be government`s endeavour to ensure its early passage,
if possible in the month-long Monsoon session itself.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told
reporters that the measure will be introduced in the first
week of the Monsoon session beginning August one.
"It will perhaps be introduced in the Lok Sabha
hopefully on either August two or three," he said, adding that
government will refer it to the Standing Committee forthwith.
Bansal hoped that if the Standing Committee comes out
with its recommendations on Lokpal Bill by end of August then
the government could go ahead with its passage.
He dismissed team Anna Hazare`s criticism of the
Lokpal Bill cleared by the Cabinet yesterday noting that it
was the view of just a section of the civil society and "not a
democratic idea".
"They should respect others` views also," the minister
said.
Asked about reports of prohibitory orders being
imposed in New Delhi District ahead of Hazare`s proposed
indefinite fast from August 16, he said it was the
government`s intention to maintain public order.
When reporters persisted with the question, he said
that there have been several judgements of the Supreme Court
on the issue. At the same time, he said he was for reasonable
restrictions which do not interfere with the people`s right to
protest.
Bansal said as many as 35 bills, including the Women`s
Reservation Bill, has been listed for consideration and
passage in the session concluding on September 8.
Besides Lokpal Bill, the prominent other bills for
introduction included the National Food Security Bill, a bill
related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement
and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill.
PTI
