Six major political parties did not respond to draft Lokpal

New Delhi; Six major political parties did not give their views on the Lokpal Bill circulated by the joint drafting committee, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Replying to written questions, Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said the chairperson of the committee, constituted to draft the Lokpal Bill, had requested 12 major political parties for their views in this matter. 'However, six out of these 12 political parties gave their views,' he said. The minister did not elaborate on which parties gave their views and the ones that did not. The Minister said that the joint drafting bill comprised five ministers from the government and five nominees of Anna Hazare including himself. 'No political party was associated with this committee,' he added.

In reply to another question, the Minister said a Group of Ministers on checking corruption had been constituted under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee which may advise the government on issues including state funding of elections, fast tracking of all cases of public servants accused of corruption and relinquishing discretionary powers enjoyed by Ministers at the Centre. While the GoM was initially given 60 days to submit its recommendations, its limit is being extended from time to time. The GoM may also advise for an amendment to Article 311 of Constitution for providing for summary proceedings in cases of grave misdemeanour or blatant corruption by a public servant, the minister said.