There is scope for give and take on Lokpal: PM

Saturday, August 20, 2011: Affirming that there was a “lot of scope for give and take” on the Lokpal Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that the government was open to “discussion and dialogue” on the issue.

Calling for a broad national consensus on the controversial issue, Singh expressed the hope that the government can enlist the cooperation of “all thinking segments of Indian public opinion to ensure that the end product is a strong and effective Lokpal which all sections of our community want”.

He said all parties should work together to push for a “strong and effective” Lokpal and remove “obstacles” in the way.

The Prime Minister was answering questions from the media at the conclusion of the full meeting of the Planning Commission at his residence to approve the Approach Paper of the 12th Five Year Plan.