Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has convened a meeting of the UPA leaders today to ascertain views of the alliance partners over the drafting of the Lokpal Bill. There has been divergence of views among UPA allies on the inclusion of the post of the Prime Minister under the Lokpal's purview. The government has already said that it would convene an all-party meeting in July to discuss various aspects of the Bill. Yesterday, the government said that there is a broad consensus on major issues of the Lok Pal Bill after discussions with civil society members in New Delhi. Briefing the media after the 8th meeting of the Joint Drafting Committee on Lokpal, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said there is agreement on about 85 per cent clauses of the bill. Describing the meeting as a major step forward, Mr Sibal reiterated the government's commitment to introduce a strong Lok Pal Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament. Meanwhile, the ninth and final meeting of the joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill will be held this evening. AIR correspondent reports civil society and the Government Representatives will exchange their drafts to hammer out consensus on agreed issues in the meeting.
News On AIR | June 21, 2011 1:28 PM
PM convenes UPA meet on Lokpal bill