With having consensus on the two basic principles of transparency in selection process and autonomy, the joint Lokpal bill drafting committee agreed to move forward to resolve the two other contentious issues of bringing Prime Minister and judiciary in the ambit of the proposed legislation. The two sides — government and civil society members — decided to take up the issues at its fourth meeting scheduled for May 23.
RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal, who is also a member of the 10-member joint drafting panel, said only one-fourth of the bill has been discussed. “The model on which the financial independence will be based is yet to be decided. Various models were discussed, including from other countries and of institutions like the Supreme Court, Comptroller and Auditor General and the Central Vigilance Commission,” he added.
There was agreement on having a broad-based selection panel for appointing the Lokpal.