Lokpal Bill: Anna Hazare firm on fast if PM delays action

New Delhi: Eminent social activist Anna Hazare Thursday said he was firm on his decision to go on indefinite fast from April 5 if the prime minister does not initiate action for formulating a strong Lokpal (ombudsman) bill, in consultation with civil society, by March-end.

The 72-year-old social activist has also written a letter requesting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to set up a joint committee of both the representatives of civil society and government representatives to draft the Lokpal bill.

"I have written a letter. If PM doesn't take a decision on drafting a Lokpal bill by setting up a joint committee of both the representatives of civil society and government representatives by March-end, I will go on an indefinite fast from April 5," Hazare said in a statement here.

He also stressed that the "Jan Lokpal Bill Committee (JLBC)" should consist of five members of civil society which will be suggested by NGO India Against Corruption (IAC) and an equal number of members from the government to draft the bill.

The Lokpal Bill, 2010, which awaits a select parliamentary committee's nod, provides for filing complaints of corruption against the prime minister, ministers and MPs with the ombudsman.

"The report submitted by this committee should be treated as final and should not be subjected to scrutiny by yet another committee," the statement added.

Hazare contended that the Lokpal bill, in its present form, is toothless and has drafted a separate Jan Lokpal bill taking view and suggestions from civil society and common people in account.

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Picture of the Day

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh giving away the Degree to the Students, at the 3rd Convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, in Jammu on March 04, 2011. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir N. N. Vohra and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah are also seen.