Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) A glance at the government and Team Anna’s respective positions on key issues in the Lokpal bill.

Inclusion of prime minister:

Government’s bill: Includes prime minister under Lokpal, but with his actions in international affairs, external or internal security, public order, atomic energy and space exempt from the ombudsman’s purview. The full bench of the Lokpal consisting of the chairperson and all members will consider initiation of inquiry against the prime minister and at least 3/4th of its members will need to approve initiation of inquiry. The inquiry should be held in camera.

Team Anna: Want prime minister under Lokpal without any riders.

Inclusion of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

Government’s bill: It does not include CBI under Lokpal and has instead given Lokpal a separate inquiry wing. It can also refer cases to CBI for further inquiry.

Team Anna: Wants CBI to be merged in the Lokpal and says Lokpal without investigative powers is useless.

Lower bureaucracy:

Government’s bill: Lower bureaucracy has been brought under the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) with the superintendence of Lokpal.

Team Anna: Wants it under the Lokpal

Minorities’ reservation in Lokpal:

Government’s bill: Reservation for minorities in Lokpal was added in the government’s bill at the last minute after political parties demanded it.

Team Anna: Team Anna’s draft has been silent on reservation for minorities, but this demand has come from other quarters of civil society and MPs. Some members of the group have dismissed it as diversionary tactics of the government.