Stick to a format: Pranab

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. File photo

In what could be construed as an affirmation of the Centre's response to the agitation by social activist Anna Hazare and his supporters for a strong Lokpal Bill to deal with corruption by August 30, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said near here on Sunday that a “larger section of the society” could engage in pre-legislation consultations but only in a “disciplined” and “well-established format.”

Without specifically referring to Mr. Hazare and his supporters, he said: “If a larger section of society wants to participate in a disciplined and in a well-established format, we can indulge in that.”

“Not necessarily does pre-legislation consultation have to be confined to civil servants and the political executive.”