Cabinet Approves Lokpal Bill Amendments - Thursday Jan 31,2013

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved amendments to the official version of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, based on suggestions made by the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha, represented by all major political parties.

The Cabinet rejected the committee recommendation that the Lokpal’s approval be sought for transfer of CBI officers investigating cases referred to by it.


The Cabinet approved the committee’s suggestions -
fifth member (an eminent jurist) of the selection committee for appointment of the Lokpal be nominated by the President on the recommendation of the panel members.
for delinking the Central government from creation of Lokayuktas in the States, and
for appointment of a Director of Prosecution by the Central Vigilance Commission under the CBI Director
States enact the institution of Lokayukta within a year of the notification of the Lokpal Bill with freedom to decide the contours of the Act


The government has accepted 14 of the 16 amendments recommended by the Select Committee,” Minister for Personnel V. Narayanasamy said after the Cabinet meeting.

The amendments of the government will have to be approved when the Bill comes up for passage in the Rajya Sabha . If the amendments are carried, the amended Bill will go back to the Lok Sabha for fresh approval.