Business Standard

Anna Hazare welcomes passing of Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha

Image

ANI New Delhi

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who is on a fast to press for the Lokpal Bill, welcomed the passing of the bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The Bill is to be taken up in the Lok Sabha tomorrow.

"I thank all the parties barring the Samajwadi Party, on behalf of the people," he said

"Now this will come up in the Lok Sabha. I have full faith that if it can be passed in the Rajya Sabha, then it can also be passed in the Lok Sabha. The people sitting in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can sense that people are protesting against corruption which has grasped the country. They want a law against the corruption," he added.

 

Anna Hazare said that he would end his fast after the bill is passed in the Lok Sabha tomorrow.

He requested all members of Lok Sabha to pass the bill tomorrow. "This is the demand of the public," he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the passing of Lokpal Bill by the Rajya Sabha was a historic step.

The government has agreed to incorporate a key amendment demanded by the opposition BJP, which allows searches or raids by the CBI or police on an officer accused of corruption without notice.

The proposed anti-graft law provides for a Lokpal or national ombudsman to investigate corruption charges against public functionaries.

Earlier, Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal had urged all parties to rise above politics and pass the "historic Bill".

The BJP's Arun Jaitley, the Leader of Opposition, backed the proposed law, but added that it was important to have state level authorities, or Lokayuktas.

Hazare had said corruption would be reduced by half if the Bill is passed and made into law.

The Congress Party expressed its gratitude to Hazare for appreciating the party's efforts in the passage of the Lokpal Bill.

Congress leader Ajay Maken said: "Anna Hazareji has appreciated the commitment of Rahul Gandhiji on this issue. We welcome Anna Hazareji's appreciation and Congress party thanks Anna Hazare for appreciating Rahul Gandhiji for his commitment to fight against corruption and to bring in transparency into the functioning of government," said Maken.

On December 14, Rahul Gandhi had urged all the political parties to support government's Lokpal Bill in their fight against corruption.

However, remaining firm on his decision, a leader of the Samajwadi Party, Ramgopal Yadav said he would not support the bill.

"It is an irony that we can trust the ombudsman in the proposed ombudsman bill but not the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will be interrogated by an officer, which is at a similar position as that of Deputy Superintendent of Police. The result of this would be that any officer or minister would be scared to sign on a file related to correct decisions. If such a situation arises in the country then it will be dangerous for the nation. That is why we had opposed the bill and are still opposing it," said Yadav.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Prakash Javadekar had said: "We want Lokpal to be passed. I think (the) Congress does not want that to happen smoothly. Let's see today; we have our parliamentary party meeting after that we will speak to you."

The Lok Sabha had passed the Lokpal Bill in 2011 to create a Central Lokayukta.

Transparency's landmark 2005 study of corruption in India found that as many as 62 percent of all citizens have had first-hand experience in paying bribes or using influence peddling to get jobs done in public offices.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Dec 17 2013 | 6:59 PM IST

Explore News