New Delhi: Six major political parties did
not give their views on the Lokpal Bill circulated by the
joint drafting committee, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.
Replying to written questions, Minister of State for
Personnel V Narayanasamy said the chairperson of the
committee, constituted to draft the Lokpal Bill, had
requested 12 major political parties for their views in this
matter.
"However, six out of these 12 political parties gave
their views," he said. The minister did not elaborate on
which parties gave their views and the ones that did not.
The Minister said that the joint drafting bill comprised
five ministers from the government and five nominees of Anna
Hazare including himself. "No political party was associated
with this committee," he added.
In reply to another question, the Minister said a Group
of Ministers on checking corruption had been constituted under
the chairmanship of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee which
may advise the government on issues including state funding of
elections, fast tracking of all cases of public servants
accused of corruption and relinquishing discretionary powers
enjoyed by Ministers at the Centre.
While the GoM was initially given 60 days to submit its
recommendations, its limit is being extended from time to
time.
The GoM may also advise for an amendment to Article 311
of Constitution for providing for summary proceedings in cases
of grave misdemeanour or blatant corruption by a public
servant, the minister said.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 16:12