Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office Mr V. Narayanasamy has said that the Government was holding informal talks with allies, including the Trinamool Congress, to bring them on board on the Lokpal Bill.

Speaking at the All India Editors conference on Social Sector issues in Puducherry today, he said some senior ministers from the government were in touch with leaders of allies. He said the Centre was committed to bring a strong and effective Lokpal Bill. He alleged that there was lack of consistency among opposition parties on various provisions of the Bill and charged them with adopting double standards in the Rajya Sabha even as the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha.

Listing the initiatives taken by the Centre to tackle corruption, he said the Government was to introduce the public procurement Bill, so that there were no irregularities in purchases made by the Centre and various public sector undertakings which amount to a staggering Rs 2 lakh crore. Similarly, the Government is proposing to bring an open mining policy to ensure there is zero corruption and transparency in allotment of mines.

Referring to administrative reforms initiated by the government, Naryanasamy said to improve efficiency in functioning of IAS officers, a review of their performance would be undertaken after 15 and 25 years of their career and those found to be wanting would be removed.

On pilferages and siphoning of central funds by certain state governments, he said the Centre could only monitor the progress, but could not directly interfere in the implementation of welfare programmes, for which funds are allotted by the Government.

Replying to a question on the Mullaiperiyar dam issue, the minister said since the issue was pending before the Supreme Court and nothing much could be done by the Centre.