Government on Tuesday said it was serious about passing the anti-corruption measure Jan Lokpal Bill in the current session of Parliament.
Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy, who has piloted the bill in the Rajya Sabha, blamed opposition for not allowing to run the House where the bill could be taken up.
“As far as the Lokpal bill is concerned I have given notice to Chairman Rajya Sabha for taking up the Lokpal Bill. ...Government is taking all sincere step to pass the Lokpal bill,” he told reporters.
His comments come against the backdrop of spectacular performance in Delhi elections by Aam Aadmi Party whose main plank was enactment of Lokpal Act.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal was a close aide and leader of Anna Hazare—led India Against Corruption which held agitation in Delhi for the Lokpal Bill. Later, Mr. Kejriwal turned the movement into a political force.
Talking to reporters outside Parliament House, Mr. Narayanasamy said the Government has accepted some of the recommendations given by Select Committee of Rajya Sabha.
The controversial bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha, faced opposition hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on various provisions, including the one making it mandatory for states to set up Lokayuktas.
In view of the sharp divide, the bill was referred to the Select Committee.
“We have accepted some of the recommendations given by them (the Select Committee). The Government is ready to debate and discuss and then to pass the Lokpal Bill,” Mr. Narayanasamy said.
Mr. Narayanasamy accused the opposition of not allowing the House to run.
“Unfortunately, the opposition parties are stalling the proceedings of the House and as far as the Government is concerned we wanted the Lokpal bill to be passed and we are giving a top priority to that,” he said.
His statement came hours after anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare launched an indefinite hunger strike at his village Ralegan Siddhi to press for the passage of the bill.
Asked about Hazare’s agitation, he said as far as government is concerned, the bill has to be passed in Parliament.
