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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Think it through

Think it through

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published Published on Dec 22, 2011   modified Modified on Dec 22, 2011
-The Times of India
 
A couple of days back, Prime MinisterManmohan Singh was promised a rose by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare in the event of a strong Lokpal Bill. At this moment, however, its the thorns in that rose which stand out. Confrontation is looming over the current shape of the Bill, which is likely to retain administrative government control over the CBI. Anna has reverted swiftly to agitation mode, declaring his decision to go on a three-day fast beginning next Tuesday, to be followed by a nationwide jail-bharo agitation. From all indications, the Lokpal logjam is far from over. It may, in fact, just be beginning. 

At the heart of the tussle are troubling questions about the CBIs autonomy, jurisdiction and the directors appointment. Despite strong opposition, the government appears to have decided to retain administrative control over the investigative agency, allowing it to decide postings and transfers. Such proposals, once unveiled, are likely to elicit strong opposition not just from Team Anna but also from opposition parties such as the BJP who have advocated autonomy for the CBI. Given the executive misuse of the agency by successive governments of all political shades, retaining executive control will reek of conflict of interest whenever government corruption is being investigated. It will therefore fail to carry public confidence despite being the best-equipped investigative agency in India. 

But Team Annas demand to bring the CBI under Lokpal looks problematic as well, given that there is already so much on the Lokpals plate. Theres a lot on the CBIs plate too, since it doesnt deal just with corruption but many other crimes. Perhaps the CBI can be made autonomous of both government and Lokpal, being ultimately accountable only to Parliament. Meanwhile, the Lokpal can be given its own investigative wing. Theres no harm in multiple investigative agencies as each can serve as a corrective for the deficiencies of the other. 

Whatever the solution is, the matter needs to be thought through more. This will require time. Both the government and Team Anna need to be flexible in the interest of a strong Lokpal. Theres no point rushing the Bill through, which will defeat its very purpose. An overarching legislation such as the Lokpal Bill needs to be debated threadbare by parliamentarians before being passed. Meanwhile, theres a silver lining. The grievance redressal Bill which aims at time-bound delivery of public services, with the provision to fine erring officials up to Rs 50,000, has been introduced in Parliament. It should be passed forthwith.

The Times of India, 22 December, 2011, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Think-it-through/articleshow/11197017.cms


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