Lokpal debate begins in Lok Sabha
December 27th, 2011 - 2:15 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) The Lok Sabha Tuesday began discussing the much-debated Lokpal bill that envisages setting up of an anti-corruption ombudsman in India.
Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj initiated the debate.
According to sources, various opposition parties have moved 56 amendments to the contentious bill that was introduced by the government last week.
The key amendments include giving the Lokpal an investigative wing, setting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) free from the government’s administrative and financial control and making it optional for states to set up Lokayuktas.
This is not the first time Lokpal bill has been introduced in parliament. Earlier, many governments have introduced similar legislations but they were opposed by MPs at the introductory stage itself.
The first time a Lokpal bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha was in 1968.
The government is confident of getting the Lok Sabha’s nod for the bill as it enjoys majority in the lower house. However, the worry for the government is in the upper house where it doesn’t have the requisite numbers.
All major parties have directed their MPs through issuance of whips to be present in the house for the debate and voting.
Parliament is meeting Dec 27-29 in an extended session to debate the bill.
- Lok Sabha passes Lokpal bill but no constitutional status (Second Lead) - Dec 28, 2011
- War of words: Stormy opposition tears into Lokpal bill (Roundup) - Dec 27, 2011
- Amid opposition, Lokpal bill tabled with minority quota (Lead) - Dec 22, 2011
- Lokpal bill finally in parliament, tough ride ahead (Roundup) - Dec 22, 2011
- BJP slams government on Lokpal, moots amendments to bill (Lead) - Dec 26, 2011
- Cabinet to discuss Lokpal bill Tuesday, Hazare calls it worthless (Roundup) - Dec 19, 2011
- Lokpal bill with PM in but CBI out approved, Hazare furious (Roundup) - Dec 21, 2011
- Government seeks support on Lokpal, opposition for changes (Second Lead) - Dec 26, 2011
- Delhi to Mumbai: MPs debate, Anna protests Lokpal bill (Afternoon Lead) - Dec 27, 2011
- Present Lokpal bill is unconstitutional: BJP - Dec 27, 2011
- As Anna fasts, parliament divided over Lokpal (Night Lead) - Dec 27, 2011
- Bring amended Lokpal Bill in budget session: Karat - Jan 20, 2012
- Lokpal bill approved; PM in, CBI, lower bureaucracy out (Second Lead) - Dec 21, 2011
- Bansal appeals to Lok Sabha to pass Lokpal bill - Dec 26, 2011
- Lokpal bill approved: PM in but CBI out (Lead) - Dec 20, 2011
Tags: amendments, cbi, central bureau of investigation, contentious bill, corruption, india leader, introductory stage, issuance, leader of opposition, legislations, Lok Sabha, mps, New Delhi, nod, ombudsman, opposition parties, parliament, sushma, upper house, whips