New Delhi: Amid a war of words between government and Opposition, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said it was “unfortunate” that the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill could not be passed by the Rajya Sabha and asserted that the government was committed to an effective anti-corruption law.
Wishing to put behind a “very difficult” year, Dr Singh acknowledged that the concern about corruption has moved to the centre stage and vowed to personally work to provide an “honest and more efficient government”.
In his New Year message to the nation, he noted that corruption was a serious problem that needs multi-dimensional response of which Lokpal and Lokayuktas are an important part but it will take time to have full effect of the initiatives.
“The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha. It is unfortunate that the Bill could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha. However, our government is committed to the enactment of an effective Lokpal Act,” he said.
In the nine-page message which gave an overview of a host of subjects like economic situation, food security, national security, ecological security and social issues, Singh said, “I believe we have made more progress than is commonly realised.”
The government has taken several “transformational” initiatives to tackle corruption which will be “recognised as such down the line”, he said.(PTI)
