New Delhi: The much-talked about Lokpal
Bill, coming up for consideration in the current session of
Parliament, will be an "operationally pragmatic" measure.
Stating this, Abhishek Singhvi, Chairman of the
Parliamentary Committee examining the key bill, said a large
mass of "difficult and complex issues" have been discussed
threadbare.
He told PTI that each member of the committee has been
trying to do his best to ensure a "strong and constitutionally
valid" bill and the objective was to have an "operationally
pragmatic bill".
He said the committee will have two or three sittings
this week and then circulate the report for adoption.
"No timelines or deadlines could be given but we are
progressing satisfactorily," Singhvi said, indicating that the
committee would submit its report ahead of expiry of its term
on December 7.
His remarks assume significance as there have been
reports of sharp divisions in the Parliamentary panel on
bringing the office of the Prime Minister under the ambit of
the Lokpal.
While some members of the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances and Law and Justice
felt that the Prime Minister should be brought under the
Lokpal, others were of the view that this should be avoided.
A middle path was suggested by some other members who
said the Prime Minister can be brought within the ambit of the
ombudsman but with some riders like excluding his duties
relating to external affairs and internal security, among
others.
PTI
