‘Govt taking sincere steps to pass Lokpal Bill’

Stung by Aam Aadmi Party’s spectacular performance in Delhi Assembly polls, the Government today said that it was serious about passing the anti-corruption measure Jan Lokpal Bill in the current session of Parliament.

Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy, who has piloted the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, blamed the Opposition for not allowing to run the House where the Bill could be taken up.

“As far as the Lokpal Bill is concerned, I have given notice to Chairman of Rajya Sabha for taking up the Lokpal Bill.

...Government is taking all sincere steps to pass the Lokpal Bill,” he told reporters.

His comments come against the backdrop of spectacular performance in Delhi elections by Aam Aadmi Party whose main plank was enactment of Lokpal Act.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal was a close aide and leader of Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption which held agitation in Delhi for the Lokpal Bill. Later, Kejriwal turned the movement into a political force.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament House, Narayanasamy said the Government has accepted some of the recommendations given by the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha.

The controversial Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha, faced Opposition hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on various provisions, including the one making it mandatory for states to set up Lokayuktas.

In view of the sharp divide, the Bill was referred to the Select Committee.

“We have accepted some of the recommendations given by them (the Select Committee). The Government is ready to debate and discuss and then to pass the Lokpal Bill,” Narayanasamy said.