Anti corruption crusader Anna Hazare came under sharp criticism in the Lok Sabha and the Lok Pal Bill costs the exchequer a minimum of 200 Cr per year.
The Lok Sabha became very restless with protests and replies from all the members as the much awaited Lokpal bill was tabled by the government. The Lokpal bill envisages creation of anti-graft institutions at the central as well as state levels with a provision for including marginalized minorities and other sections as members. Another bill was also tabled to amend the constitution to confer constitutional status to the proposed institutions. The bills would be taken up for a debate in the Lok Sabha on December 27. Both houses meet Dec 27-29 to discuss the legislation.
• The bill proposes to bring prime minister under the purview of the nine-member Lokpal but with specific exclusions.
• The Lokpal shall have powers to hold a preliminary inquiry, leading to investigation and prosecution of offences of complaints under any law for checking corruption. The Lokpal also has its jurisdiction to include all categories of government officers and employees but the investigation is to be done by Central Vigilance Commission
• In the nine members’ team, 50 percent of members shall be from amongst Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), minorities and women.
• No inquiry can be held against a Prime Minister if corruption charges relate to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space.
• A financial memorandum submitted states the anti-corruption body is expected to incur an expenditure of Rs 200 Cr in a financial year.
Meanwhile the UPA was up against arms against the anti corruption crusader Anna Hazare. Though he was fundamentally responsible of drafting the bill, he was decried by the UPA. Members of the UPA went to the extent of calling Anna not to put up the show as only he was against corruption. The RJD Chief Lallu Prasad Yadav went on to say that 3-4 people cannot dictate the parliaments and asked Anna to take care of his health. CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta had asked Anna not feel like second Mahatma, as the country can have only one father of the nation. The UPA Chair Person was all cheers for the criticism.
But people know who was behind the anti corruption crusade and who were involved in the scams that have eaten into the economy since independence. They also know how the tricky the tabulated Lokpal bill is. But at the moment they are helpless, they are silent. But only the elections would show their voice of support to which side they belong.
Watch out regularly for more updates on the issues of conflict. Only we bring you an exact analysis to your desktops, early as ever.
