The group of ministers (GoM), headed by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, on corruption on Friday held its first meeting and discussed various aspects relating to finding ways in tackling the ailment, which has currently plagued system in a big way.
In the meeting, which was attended by several senior ministers, including home minister P. Chidambaram, defence minister A.K. Antony, railway minister Mamata Banerjee and telecom minister Kapil Sibal, besides Mr Mukherjee, the leaders decided to firm up at the earliest the Lokpal Bill, which is aimed at bringing PM under its ambit.
Sources informed that in the meeting it was also decided to direct Cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar to form two committees of secretaries to examine the various existing reports dealing with anti-corruption mechanisms operating in the country.
The GoM also discussed the possibilities of giving the Lokpal Bill — aimed to go into allegations of corruption against public functionaries — a “final shape” in the coming days, the sources said.
The ministerial panel is thinking of coming out with concrete suggestions during the Budget Session scheduled to begin from February 21 so that further progress can be made. The initial draft of the Lokpal Bill covers the Prime Minister and is presently under circulation with various ministries. The Lokpal Bill has had a long and chequered history. Legislations in the past had included the Prime Minister within the ambit of the bill only on a few occasions.
The panel has also directed the cabinet secretary to get the compilation of the various reports available with the government dealing with the issue of corruption by the two committees and return to the GoM.
Sources said, the next meeting of the GoM will take place very soon in which the leaders would decide on a structured timetable and also take a call on the seven point agenda of the panel. Among the seven issues handed over to the GoM for its consideration is the proposal to amend the Article 311 of the Constitution, which is meant to protect government servants against arbitrary dismissal and punishment. The view in the government is that this article, which was meant to act as a shield for honest employees, has now become a hindrance in the fight against corruption.
The other members, who could not attend the meeting on Friday, included law minister M. Veerappa Moily, chemical and fertiliser minister M.K. Alagiri and minister of state in PMO V. Narayanaswamy. The GoM has been given 60 days to come up with it proposals before the Cabinet.