[India_Vision_2020] Re: [ gfpr ] India's war against corruption - Need for introduction of Lokpal Bill ~ India Vision 2020

Thursday, April 7, 2011

[India_Vision_2020] Re: [ gfpr ] India's war against corruption - Need for introduction of Lokpal Bill

India Vision 20201:10 PM No comments

Dear Mr Srinivasan,

Thanks for initiating this topic and enlightening the members on the subject with its origin and consequences.

I further add that the intention was to have Lokpal at the Center and Lok Ayuktha and Upa Lok Ayukthas at State level as independent and impartial institutions with powers and resources to accept, investigate and prosecute complaints against politicians and bureaucrats.

Lokayuktha institutions have jurisdiction over State administrative machinery to take 'action' on the actions of the officials and inquire into 'allegations' against officials. But, as an advisory body it is required to seek permission of the respective State Governments to take up cases involving officials above a certain rank.

The need for Lokpal is to ensure the originally intended two tier mechanism with single apex body at the centre. The existing anti-corruption mechanism i.e. the Central Vigilance Commission as an advisory body do not have any powers to direct the CBI to initiate inquiries against any officer of the level of Joint Secretary and above in Govt of India. The CVC do not have the powers to register criminal cases either. More over, it does not have jurisdiction over politicians.

In view of the above, the demand for All-Powerful-Lokpal at the Centre by the intellectuals led by Anna Hazare is hailed. I am optimistic that this movement will gather strength and a modified bill will be debated upon, soon, because of the involvement of much enlightened youth, this time.

Regards,

On Wed, Apr 6, 2011 at 9:18 PM, Prime Point Srinivasan <prpoint@gmail.com> wrote:

dear friends

Now all the media are flashing the news about Anna Hazare's indefinite fast. , protesting against corruption and seeking introduction of Jan Lokpal Bill at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. Many youngsters have joined the movement in large numbers. In my view, this will trigger a movement among the youth to pressurise the Government to initiate a process immediately to reduce the corruption in India.

Presently, due to the unholy nexus of corporates, bureaucrats and politicians and also due to indifference of civil society, India has slipped in the corruption index from 84 to 87. This is causing a great concern among many socially conscious people. With this background, Anna Hazare's fast at Delhi assumes serious significance.

What is this Lokpal Bill and what is the history behind this Lokpal bill?

Administrative Reforms Commission recommended in 1966, the constitution of two-tier machinery Lokpal at the Centre and Lok Ayukta at the States, to reduce corruption. The bill was introduced in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1968 and passed in 1969. Before, it got passed in Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha was dissolved. Hence, the Bill was not passed in both the Houses.

Again the bill was re-introduced in the Lok Sabhas in 1971, 1977,1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008 and every time, the bill was referred to Committees for improvement.

Successive Governments at the Centre have not shown any interest in getting them passed in both the Houses and to implement Lokpal Bill.

Even if introduced, this bill planned by the Government does not have any teeth. It does not include bureaucrats. It is only a recommendatory body and may submit their report to Prime Minister. They may not have investigative or punishing powers. Even there is no transparent procedure for appointment of Lokpal members. This will be yet another Government department.

India against Corruption movement (IAC)

India against Corruption (IAC) movement was started in 2010 by eminent persons of civil society to fight against the corruption. Eminent jurists and retired judges have prepared a draft for 'Jan Lokpal bill' and submitted to the Government for consideration.

According to this draft Jan Lokpal bill, there would be 10 members selected by a panel more transparently. The Lokpal and Lok Ayukta will be a constitutional body and will have independence. This Lokpal will have powers to investigate any corruption charges against politicians and bureaucrats and also to punish them, within a period of two years.

Now Anna Hazare and social activists have been demanding that the Government should accept this draft Jan Lokpal Bill to fight against the corruption in India. This is likely to generate public involvement like Jayaparakash Narayan's movement after Emergency. This is gaining momentum through social media network like twitter and facebook.

I am confident that this movement will find the solution for the Lokpal bill pending for nearly 43 years.

You may visit the website of India against corruption at
http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org/

Please read the comparison between the Lokpal Bill planned by the Government and the Jan Lokpal Bill suggested by India Against Corruption movement in the following link.

http://www.saaku.in/docs/Comparison_of_Government_Bill_with_JanLokpal.pdf

Every citizen of this country should involve with this movement, to fight against the corruption. Please spread this message through mails, social media networks, and word of mouth.

I attach herewith the jpeg file of India against corruption. You may use this in your blog, facebook and other social media networks.

Srinivasan
Prime Point
91766 50273

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