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Lokpal Bill: Talks between the government and civil society activists hit a roadblock

-The Economic Times

 

Talks between the government and civil society activists on the draft Lokpal Bill almost broke down on Monday, with the civil society members threatening to walk out of the drafting committee. This was following government's insistence on keeping the post of Prime Minister, higher judiciary, Armed Forces, the Election Commission, Public Services Commissions and MPs conduct inside Parliament out of the purview of Lokpal.

Members of the civil society accused the Government of going back on its commitment and said that the Government's proposals were worse than what it had proposed in its first bill, which had been "condemned and rejected." Drafting committee member Arvind Kejriwal said, "we want a strong Lokpal Bill. If the Government is not prepared to give the country that, we will walk out of the committee."

The sharp differences between the Government and civil society members of the joint drafting committee came to the fore as contentious issues were discussed for over three hours on Monday. The Government opposed bringing the Prime Minister under the purview of Lokpal. Home Minister P Chidambaram pointed out that it would be easy to weaken the position of the Prime Minister by making allegations against him everyday. Civil society members, however, contended that no unsubstantiated complaint would be entertained. A seven-member Lokpal bench would hear the complaints against the Prime Minister and decide whether there is evidence to address such a complaint. The ministers said that Prime Minister would lose all authority to govern or take decisions if charges are leveled against him everyday.

The Government also sought to keep the conduct of MPs inside Parliament out of the purview of Lokpal. Civil society members pointed out that this would mean not inquiring into scams like Cash-for-Vote and Cash-for-Query. Sources said that ministers also sought to keep the judiciary out of the purview of Lokpal saying that this could mean compromising the independence of the judiciary. Another bone of contention was keeping the lower level bureaucracy out of the purview of Lokpal. The government said that only joint secretary rank officers and above should come under the Lokpal. Activists said that irrespective of hierarchy every officer should be under the purview. A member of the committee said, "the common man is troubled by corruption in day-to-day life. He wants an answer to bad roads, electricity problem and other civic issues for which lower level staff is responsible. What is the logic of keeping this staff outside Lokpal Bill powers?"

The government also held the view that the offices of Chief Vigilance Commissioner and CBI should not be merged with Lokpal. Another proposal of the Government was to keep defence personnel, Public Service Commissions and Election Commission out. Kejriwal, however, said if keeping everything like judiciary, PM and MPs violate the Constitution then what would be under the Lokpal's ambit would be almost nothing. He said that a decision has now been taken to seek public opinion on these contentious issues and seek their suggestions.

It was decided that the joint drafting committee will meet twice on June 6 and 10. While the activists termed the meeting "disastrous", the government was more diplomatic. Minister Kapil Sibal expressed confidence that the bill for a strong and effective Lokpal will be a reality.

"We must provide the country with a transparent legislation as corruption is an issue which concerns everybody. We remain committed to provide the people an effective Lokpal."