The changes that MPs want in Lokpal Bill

New Delhi: The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Govt is likely to make several amendments in the Lokpal Bill that is being debated in the Lok Sabha. Along with the UPA Government, several other parties have moved amendment motions and 56 changes are likely to be made in the Lokpal Bill before it is put to vote in the House.

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee met Telecom and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Law Minister Salman Khurshid to discuss the provision for setting up of Lokayuktas in the states through the Lokpal Bill.

Several political parties including some UPA constituents have objected to the enabling provision for setting up of Lokayuktas in the states through the Lokpal Bill, calling it against the federal structure and an attack on the autonomy of the states.

The Government will most probably amend this provision as it needs the numbers on its side in the Lok Sabha to ensure that the Lokpal Bill is passed.

Section 24 of the Lokpal Bill is also likely to be dropped. Section 24 gives right to Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to take action against MPs even if the trial by the Lokpal is going on. MPs cutting across party lines have severely criticised this provision of the Lokpal Bill.

Other parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India have are moved several amendments.

SK Saidul Haque of the CPI(M) has moved an amendment for having a 10-member Lokpal panel. Haque also wants that the Lokpal should be empowered to inquire against editors of news organisations and also owners of corporate house managed media. His party colleague Basudeb Acharia wants an independent investigating wing of the Lokpal, which will be headed by CBI Director (Investigation) and will be thwe sole agency to look at offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta has moved amendment for bringing corporate houses under the Lokpal's ambit. Hansraj Gangaram Ahir of the BJP has demanded that minorities should not be given reservation in the Lokpal.

Munisamy Thambidurai of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) wants the Prime Minister included after she/he has demitted the office.