The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011 has been referred to a 15-member Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha. A resolution to this effect has been adopted by voice vote amidst arguments and counter arguments over the procedure to move a motion in this regard.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Personnel and Public Grievances, V Narayanasamy, who moved the bill for consideration, said the UPA government is committed to pass the bill. He said there is no going back on its commitment. The proposed Select Committee will submit its report to the House in the monsoon session.
The Leader of the Opposition Mr Arun Jaitley observed that the nation is waiting for the bill to end corruption. He said by referring the bill now to a Select Committee, the credibility of Parliament is at stake. He categorically wanted to know whether the government is willing to bring the bill or not. He criticized the government for not consulting the political parties since 29th of December last year when the bill was taken up in the House.
Mr Jaitley said the serious differences between the government and the political parties in regard to the some issues like control over the investigating agency and the procedure for removal of the Lokpal, could have been sorted out.