The much talked about Lokpal Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha by August three and it will be government’s endeavour to ensure its early passage, if possible in the month-long Monsoon session itself.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told reporters that the Bill will be introduced in the first week of the Monsoon session beginning August one.
“It will perhaps be introduced in the Lok Sabha hopefully on either August two or three,” he said, adding that government will refer it to the Standing Committee forthwith.
Mr. Bansal hoped that if the Standing Committee comes out with its recommendations on Lokpal Bill by end of August then the government could go ahead with its passage.
He dismissed team Anna Hazare’s criticism of the Lokpal Bill cleared by the Cabinet yesterday noting that it was the view of just a section of the civil society and “not a democratic idea”.
“They should respect others’ views also,” the minister said.
Asked about reports of prohibitory orders being imposed in New Delhi district ahead of Mr. Hazare’s proposed indefinite fast from August 16, he said it was the government’s intention to maintain public order.
When reporters persisted with the question, he said that there have been several judgements of the Supreme Court on the issue. At the same time, he said he was for reasonable restrictions which do not interfere with the people’s right to protest.
Mr. Bansal said as many as 35 bills, including the Women’s Reservation Bill, has been listed for consideration and passage in the session concluding on September 8.
Besides the Lokpal Bill, the prominent other bills for introduction included the National Food Security Bill, a bill related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill.
