Lokpal panel forges ahead

The drafting process for the Lokpal bill on Monday took the first concrete step when the joint committee discussed the objectives of the Lokpal bill and the reasons behind it. Sources said the civil society was pleased as they felt the government is serious and means business.

“The civil society members on the joint drafting committee presented a document with respect to the objects of the bill as well as a document which enunciated the general principles underlying the bill,” said Kapil Sibal. Meanwhile, according to sources, “during the meeting, panel’s co-chair Shanti Bhushan explained the idea behind Lokpal. He said as per United Nation’s Convention Against Corruption (2005) to which India is signatory underlines the need of Lokpal like institution.”