New Delhi: Despite sharp divisions in the
Parliamentary committee scrutinising Lokpal Bill on several
other issues, there was a broad agreement in it on inclusion
of group C officials under the ambit of the anti-corruption
ombudsman and making the selection process of the CBI Director
independent of government influence.
It is understood that the committee members agreed to
make the appointment process of the CBI Director Independent
of government's influence and a new selection committee was
suggested to select the CBI chief.
The proposed committee would consist of the Prime
Minister, the Chairman of Lokpal and the Leader of the
Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Under the present system, recommendations for
appointments are made by a CBI selection board headed by the
Central Vigilance Commissioner. The Home Secretary, Secretary
(Public Grievances), Cabinet Secretariat are the members.
The final selection is made by the Appointment Committee
of the cabinet from the panel recommended by the CBI selection
Board.
It was also decided to include group C officials under
the ambit of Lokpal.
While the government version says only group A officials
be included, the draft report of the committee circulated to
the members recently recommended inclusion of group B members
also.
Team Anna had insisted that the entire bureaucracy be
included in Lokpal.
The Committee decided against the inclusion of Group D
officials under the watchdog's purview.
Today, members are learnt to be in agreement that group C
officials, who consist of section officers in administration
and inspector-level officials in the police hierarchy, be also
included as they "fleece" the most from the common man.
The final report of the committee is likely to recommend
these two changes.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 00:50