A day after social activist Anna Hazare set a deadline before the Centre to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday asserted the government’s openness to a “reasoned debate” on it. Acknowledging its significance, Dr Singh, however, made it clear that Lokpal was not the only solution to end corruption.
While delivering the golden jubilee lecture at the IIM-C, Dr Singh said the bill is now before the standing committee. In an oblique reference to Team Anna’s ongoing movement on the bill, he mentioned: “It has long been argued that we need an institution like the Lokpal. We have introduced a bill in the Parliament which is now before the standing committee. There are differences of view on details of the bill.”
Dr Singh continued, “We have made it clear that all concerned individuals should convey their concern on different aspects of the bill to their representatives in the Parliament and to the standing committee. The standing committee has the power to propose any amendment. We are open to a reasoned debate on all these issues.” But he affirmed, “The creation of the Lokpal as an institution will help. But it will not solve the problem.” West Bengal governor M.K. Narayanan and chief minister Mamata Banerjee also attended the programme.
According to the Prime Minister, the Lokpal needs to be supported by improvements in the pace and quality of judicial processes. Stressing on the judicial reforms in context of tackling corruption, he said: “Speedy trials and timely judgements will do a great deal to discourage corruption and dispel the notion that those who break the law can get away scot-free. This requires a number of judicial reforms.”
Dr Singh added that he has asked the group of ministers to look into a thorough revamp of existing government procedures to reduce discretion and to make the basis of decision making “as transparent as possible”. He expressed his confidence of coming up with a “systemic solution.” Calling upon the management graduates for their participation, he urged them to suggest mechanisms which would increase transparency.