Lokpal Bill to be operationally pragmatic: Abhishek Singhvi

The much-talked about Lokpal Bill, coming up for consideration in the current session of Parliament, will be an "operationally pragmatic" measure.

Stating this, Abhishek Singhvi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee examining the key bill, said a large mass of "difficult and complex issues" have been discussed threadbare.

He told PTI that each member of the committee has been trying to do his best to ensure a "strong and constitutionally valid" bill and the objective was to have an "operationally pragmatic bill".

He said the committee will have two or three sittings this week and then circulate the report for adoption.

"No timelines or deadlines could be given but we are progressing satisfactorily," Singhvi said, indicating that the committee would submit its report ahead of expiry of its term on December 7.

His remarks assume significance as there have been reports of sharp divisions in the Parliamentary panel on bringing the office of the Prime Minister under the ambit of the Lokpal.

While some members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances and Law and Justice felt that the Prime Minister should be brought under the Lokpal, others were of the view that this should be avoided.

A middle path was suggested by some other members who said the Prime Minister can be brought within the ambit of the ombudsman but with some riders like excluding his duties relating to external affairs and internal security, among others.