Bill amending Lokpal Act put off till budget session of Parliament

The government on Saturday expressed the hope that a crucial amendment to the Lokpal Act might be passed in the budget session of Parliament.

The amendment provides for inclusion of the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha on the selection panel for appointing chairperson and members of the anti-corruption ombudsman. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, told reporters that the government will bring in the amendment bill in the next session.

“The Lokpal Bill with some amendments was introduced in the winter session. It was decided to refer the bill to a parliamentary standing committee. The bill will be taken up in the next session,” Singh told reporters here at the launch of an  e-book on good governance.

Some amendments were required to remove technicalities in the Lokpal Act, he said.
The government also proposed the provision for inclusion of the single largest Opposition party in the selection panel as there is no Leader of Opposition in the Lower House.