Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) The parliamentary standing committee on law and justice examining the Lokpal bill is expected to finalise its report Nov 30-Dec 1 and submit the recommendations to parliament in the first week of December, sources said Monday.

The government can introduce the Lokpal bill after that.

Sources said a draft of the broad recommendations of the standing committee has been circulated among the members and the panel headed by Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi is expected to finalise the draft during the two day meeting Nov 30 and Dec 1.

“We will give our views on the draft in the coming meeting,” said a panel member.

While the panel is expected to take up the contentious issue of including the prime minister under the anti-graft ombudsman Nov 30, there is general agreement on a constitutional status for the Lokpal, and retaining the autonomy of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Central Vigilance Commission, said the sources.

Sources said the panel is likely to recommend that Group A and B employees should come under the Lokpal, leaving out the Group C and D staff, being demanded by Team Anna.

The development comes in the wake of reports that Anna Hazare plans to stage a day-long protest at Jantar Mantar Dec 11 demanding a strong Lokpal bill and a extended one at Ramlila Ground Dec 27-Jan 5 if the bill is not passed in the ongoing winter session of parliament.

The protests may happen subject to permission from the Delhi police.

Hazare has also threatened to campaign against the Congress in the assembly elections in five states scheduled next year if the Lokpal bill is not passed in the winter session.

The standing committee went through the various drafts of the Lokpal bill, including the Jan Lokpal bill of Team Anna and one by Aruna Roy-led National Campaign for People’s Right to Information.

The panel also considered suggestions made by Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and former chief election commissioner T.N. Seshan besides the drafts submitted by the citizens.

The panel heard views of around 50 groups including former judges, lawyers, officials, activists, NGOs and individuals on the issue.

Meanwhile, a group of Dalits and tribals Monday took out a rally led by Udit Raj from Ramlila Maidan to Jantar Mantar pressing for reservation of Dalits, backwards and minorities in the Lokpal.