Lokpal Bill needs radical changes: Justice Hegde

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, Apr 11: Lokayukta Santosh Hegde on Sunday said there was a ’’vast gulf’’ between the provisions of the Lokpal Bill drafted by the government, and those proposed by the leaders of the ongoing crusade against corruption.

“We want radical changes to be included in the present draft prepared by the government as there is a lot of conflict between their (government) clauses and provisions and our (those in crusade against corruption) clauses and provisions,” said Hegde who is on the 10-member joint committee that will review and finalise the Bill.

Hegde said there was hardly anything in the present Bill which could bring corrupt government officers to book.

“There is nothing in the present Bill. The present Bill can never ever create the fear factor in the minds of public servants, which is needed to prevent them from indulging in corrupt practices,” he added.

Regarding his role, he said: “I desire to act as a bridge between the two - the movement and government. I will have to do a balancing act. Anyway, we need a strong Bill. We need a strong Lokpal.”

Justice Hegde said he would be frequently travelling to Delhi henceforth to attend a series of meetings to finalise the bill. “I was invited to attend a meeting called by the committee members on April 16. I have sought certain clarifications regarding logistics. Hence, I told them to clarify the doubts,” he said.

The Lokayukta is yet to receive a formal communication from the Union Ministry of Law asking him to accept the nomination to the joint committee.

Top officers from Law Ministry did try to contact Hegde on Saturday in this regard. “I was away in Mangalore on Saturday. A few officers from Law Ministry had contacted my land phone number in Bangalore to enquire my residential address. But, I don’t know whether they wanted to inform me about the government’s decision,” the Lokayukta added.