Lokpal Bill set to face acid test
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Lokpal Bill, a proposed anti-corruption law designed to effectively deter corruption, redress grievances and protect whistleblowers is set to be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament on Monday.
The Shillong Times spoke to some opinion makers to know their views on the chances of the bill being passed this time, since it is languishing for the last 42 years sans clearance from the Upper House of the Parliament.
Dr S Nesa, HOD (Political Science), St Edmund’s College said, “It is difficult to say whether it will be passed this time but the good thing is public political consciousness has risen. “
Terming that drafts are always nice just as the constitutional provisions, Dr Nesa said what is most important is its implementation. “Corruption cannot be eliminated until public outlook is transformed,” she added. On a statement being given by the Prime Minister’s urging the Parliament to decide on the bill, she said that the bill cannot be decided in the Parliament only but opinion of intellectuals is also required.
Dipayan Chakraborty, General Secretary, BJP, Meghalaya State unit said it is for the parliamentarians to debate and introduce it.
“We are not only concerned about this bill but also the women’s reservation bill among others. Let these bills get introduced and see what the intention of the government is,” he added.
Chakraborty opined that there is nothing wrong with the civil society’s expectations out of the bill. “It should be introduced, debated and passed and if there is any consideration that merits inclusion in the bill as sought by the civil society than it should find place if it benefits the people,” he said adding that the civil society in not disagreeing to the idea that the bill is to be decided in the Parliament.
Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, Nongkrem Legislator said that the bill getting through by the Parliament depends upon the government’s interest. Supporting the stand of the civil rights group who want a stronger Lokpal Bill Basaiawmoit said, “We need an effective bill to combat corruption as there are many bills in the country and there is no point having one more if that is not strong and effective.”
Tarun Bhartiya, member, Meghalaya Right to Information Movement said that the issue is not about introduction but it is the nature of the bill to be introduced.
“First the bill will go to a standing committee and forming the bill into an act is a long process. The RTI Bill was weak when it was introduced but it strengthened by the time it became an act. The standing committee then invited suggestion and that process has to go on in Lokpal, too.”
” Lokpal in the present form has nothing for the state as it is applicable for the central government and does not have a mandatory Lokayukta at the state level,” he said.