Corruption’s definition widened in draft Lokpal Bill

24 Oct 2011 Evaluate

The corruption ombudsman bill - Lokpal Bill’s definition of corruption will now include few more pointers as recommended by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. The commission has suggested inclusion of issues like non utilisation and diversion of funds from schemes meant for the welfare of STs and SCs. The decision to suggest broadening the definition was taken at a meeting of the full Commission held recently.

Presently corruption, in draft Lokpal Bill, includes anything made punishable under Chapter IX of the Indian Penal Code or under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; Provided that if any person obtains any benefit from the government by violating any laws or rules, that person along with the public servants who directly or indirectly helped that person obtain those benefits, shall be deemed to have indulged in corruption.

The commission has sent the communication to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice and Personnel scrutinising the Lokpal Bill. It has cited that no judge or the Chief Justice should be eligible for appointment in Lokpal panel if he has 'passed adverse judgement on important dalit issues'. The commission also suggested that in the prescribed qualifications, a provision should be added that Lokpal or its members 'must be free from caste bias'.

Draft Lokpal Bill is expected to be tabled and passed during the winter session of Parliament, as admonished by nation’s anti-corruption movement’s leader Anna Hazare to UPA government.

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