Delhi government ?? ?is mulling to adopt “realistic” approach in drafting the new Janlokpal Bill to avoid conflict with Central Government and its smooth implementation. The government is also working on its previous draft bill to avoid “overlapping” and “duplication” with Janlokpal Act of Central government.
“The bill will have to be cleared by Central government before introduction into Delhi assembly. There is no use of a bill which could not pass the scrutiny of Central government and is held back,” said spokesperson of Delhi government. He, however, asserted that the bill will provide more “tooth” to the new ombudsman of the city. It’s important to mention that post of Lokyukta is lying vacant since last around two years. The outgoing Lokayukta Manmohan Sarin had recommended to strengthen the body to make it more effective. “We will make certain changes in the previous draft bill of Janlokpal to avoid duplication and overlapping with Janloklal Bill of the Central government,” he added.
Delhi government, however, has not clarified on the controversial clauses to be deleted in the new draft of the Janlokpal. The bill was the main reason behind fall of previous 49 days government of AAP in 2014.
“The introduction and passes of the bill will not be a problem this time but accent to Central government is certainly a big issue. There are several laws passed by several state governments in the past but were held by the Central government. Such a bill will not have any meaning if it is held by the Centre for indefinite time,” added the spokesperson. It is important to mention that the Central government had three main objections on the Janlokpal Bill drafted by AAP government- firstly it includes employees of Central government under its ambit, secondly its name should be Lokayukta not Janlokpal and thirdly it should be passed as an amendment in the existing Delhi Lokayukta Act. The AAP government will have to exclude these three provisions to get accent of the Centre besides providing more tooth to the anti-corruption watchdog. According to sources, there are more than 400 complaints in the office of Lokayukta waiting for inquiry.