In an effort to evolve a broader consensus on the Lokpal Bill, the UPA government is willing to place the CBI’s prosecution wing under the Lokpal’s purview.
With this, the government hopes to address three contentious issues — bringing the Prime Minister, Group C and D employees and the CBI — under the ambit of the proposed anti-corruption body.
The government has already decided on bringing the PM under the Lokpal, with safeguards related to national security, and including Group C employees.
The three issues are seen as a hindrance not just to the introduction of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament but also its subsequent smooth passage.
The parliamentary standing committee had also said some aspects of the CBI’s prosecution work should be placed under the Lokpal. The CBI’s investigative and administrative arms will remain outside the Lokpal’s purview.