Lokpal may be single window stop for all corruption probe

New Delhi: A Parliamentary panel examining the Lokpal bill may recommend that the proposed anti-corruption watchdog be a single window stop for probing all corruption complaints against government functionaries by ending multiplicity of investigating agencies to investigate graft cases.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, headed by Congress MP E M Sudarsana Natchiappan, has examined the Lokpal and Lokayuktas and Other Related Law (Amendment) Bill, 2014, and will submit its report to Parliament tomorrow, official sources said.

At present graft cases are probed by several agencies including the CBI, CVC and police.

When contacted, the Committee chairman confirmed that the report will be submitted on Monday. "The report on the bill will be submitted to both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on Monday," Natchiappan told PTI.

The amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 18 last year after which it was referred to the Committee on December 22. It was asked to submit its report by March 25 this year.

The panel had got first extension till July 30 to complete its task. Later, it had sought more time and got two more extensions, which ended on September 30 and November 15. It was again given some more time till December 10.

The Lokpal Act, 2013 provides for establishment of anti-graft watchdog Lokpal for the Union and Lokayuktas for the states to inquire into corruption complaints against public servants.