New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday stressed against separating its anti-corruption wing and placing it under the Lokpal, and instead said it would prefer to come entirely under the proposed ombudsman and be given more autonomy.
The view was expressed by agency director A.P. Singh before the Parliamentary Standing Committee examining the Lokpal bill, according to CBI sources.
“The CBI as a whole can come under Lokpal in whatever way or form the government wants. We are ready to probe cases sent by the Lokpal and report to it,” said an agency official. Sources said the CBI has proposed “functional and financial autonomy” like the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) where “there are no interferences from political and other institutions.”
Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar too presented his views before the panel Saturday.
Sources said the CVC wants that its role should not overlap with the Lokpal’s. It also wants a proper mechanism to be set up under the Lokpal to ensure this, said sources.
The standing committee is hearing views of various agencies as part of its consultation process on various aspects of the proposed Lokpal office. The panel is expected to submit its recommendations to parliament before the winter session. (IANS)
