The Lokpal Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, marking a step closer to enactment of a new law under which an anti-corruption ombudsman would be set up.
The bill, which has been pending in the house for the past two years,was approved by voice vote after a five-hour debate.
The Samajwadi Party, which opposed the bill, boycotted the proceedings after staging a walkout as soon as the debate began.
The proposed law, aimed at dealing with the menace of corruption, will bring under its purview the prime minister, with certain safeguards, and other public servants.
The bill will now be sent to the Lok Sabha today for consideration as it has undergone a number of official amendments. The lower house had earlier passed the bill in 2011.
The Bill was brought back to the Rajya Sabha after being considered by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which recommended several amendments to make it widely acceptable among political parties.
Among the amendments accepted by the government are de-linking of the mandatory creation of Lokayuktas by the state governments, one of the provisions which had stalled the passage of the bill in December 2011.
Replying to the debate, Law Minister Kapil Sibal said it was a ‘historic’ day and hoped that all states would pass similar legislations to set up Lokayuktas modelled on this bill.
Meanwhile, Anna Hazare, who entered his eighth day of fast, thanked the parties which helped pass the Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha. He appealed to the members of the Lok Sabha to ensure the smooth passing of the bill after which, he said, he would call off his fast.
“In the past 40 years, the bill was introduced eight times but never passed,” Hazare said.
“I appeal to the members of the Lok Sabha to pass the bill on Wednesday. This bill is not Anna’s demand alone, the country wants it,” the 76-year-old anti-graft campaigner added.
Commenting on the developments, including the correspondence between Hazare and Congress and BJP leaders, Kiran Bedi said, “The Congress, the BJP and other parties are recognising the moral authority which Anna exercises in the country today.”
The bill, which has been pending in the house for the past two years,was approved by voice vote after a five-hour debate.
The Samajwadi Party, which opposed the bill, boycotted the proceedings after staging a walkout as soon as the debate began.
The proposed law, aimed at dealing with the menace of corruption, will bring under its purview the prime minister, with certain safeguards, and other public servants.
The bill will now be sent to the Lok Sabha today for consideration as it has undergone a number of official amendments. The lower house had earlier passed the bill in 2011.
The Bill was brought back to the Rajya Sabha after being considered by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which recommended several amendments to make it widely acceptable among political parties.
Among the amendments accepted by the government are de-linking of the mandatory creation of Lokayuktas by the state governments, one of the provisions which had stalled the passage of the bill in December 2011.
Replying to the debate, Law Minister Kapil Sibal said it was a ‘historic’ day and hoped that all states would pass similar legislations to set up Lokayuktas modelled on this bill.
Meanwhile, Anna Hazare, who entered his eighth day of fast, thanked the parties which helped pass the Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha. He appealed to the members of the Lok Sabha to ensure the smooth passing of the bill after which, he said, he would call off his fast.
“In the past 40 years, the bill was introduced eight times but never passed,” Hazare said.
“I appeal to the members of the Lok Sabha to pass the bill on Wednesday. This bill is not Anna’s demand alone, the country wants it,” the 76-year-old anti-graft campaigner added.
Commenting on the developments, including the correspondence between Hazare and Congress and BJP leaders, Kiran Bedi said, “The Congress, the BJP and other parties are recognising the moral authority which Anna exercises in the country today.”
1 comment:
Although Lokpal Bill is passed by the Parliament and it was the result of the unified Anna movement, its colour is now lost. One reason it is passed in the diluted form without the PM and judicial officers within its jurisdiction. Second, Anna movement is divided due to some obsession of Anna Hazare himself and the people with him. Everyone knows that now Congress and BJP is bent because of the mass support to AAP in Delhi election and not to Anna's Satyagraha this time.
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