Lokpal will cost Rs 100 cr to exchequer

Passing of the Lokpal Bill 2011 in the Parliament would also force government to spend  Rs 50 crore of non-recurring expenditure to set up the institution. Construction of a new building to house the institution would also cost Rs 400 crore.  Only a sitting or a former Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge can be appointed chairman of the Lokpal. While its membership has been stipulated as not more than eight, half of them will have to have judicial background.

A sitting or former judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court can be appointed as a Judicial Member, states the Bill.

Persons of “impeccable integrity, outstanding ability and standing having special knowledge and expertise of not less than 25 years in matters related to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law and management” can be appointed as non-judicial members of the Lokpal.

The Bill bars members of Parliament or state Assembly or any politician to be the Chairman or member of the institution, while members are also barred from being part of political parties, hold office of trust or profit, carry on businesses or practice any profession.  Lok Sabha Speaker, opposition leaders of both houses of Parliament, a union minister of Prime Minister’s choice, a sitting Supreme Court judge and a Chief Justice of any High Court, a government-nominated eminent jurer, and a person of eminence in public life will all be its members. The chairperson will draw salary and allowances equal to those of the Chief Justice of India, while remunerations of other members will be the same as those of a sitting judge of a Supreme Court.

The Lokpal’s expenses will be subject to scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.