The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has assured leaders of all political parties that the UPA government is committed to enact an effective Lokpal legislation and the points raised by them would be considered by the government. He was speaking at the all party meeting called by him to discuss the differences on the Lokpal Bill and evolve a meaningful consensus.

The Prime Minister also urged for co-operation and guidance from all political leaders present in the meeting to achieve the task set ahead. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's residence, discussed the issues relating to the passage of the Lokpal bill in parliament.

CPIM leader Sitaram Yechuri said, the discussion took place in a positive manner and a broad consensus has been arrived on many issues. He said, discussions were held on points raised by his party including seperation of Lokayutas in States from the Lokpal, procedure to be adopted for removal of Lokpal and supervision of investigating agencies.

The Lokpal Bill is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha in the second half of the budget session of parliament. Party members who attended the meeting said, the discussions were held in a very cordial and open manner.

Speaking to reporters on the side lines of the Padma Award function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday Prime minister had exuded confidence that the differences on the Lokpal bill can be overcome through fruitful discussions and a consensus can be achieved cutting across party lines.

AIR correspondent reports, the Lok Sabha has already passed the Lokpal Bill, however in the Rajya Sabha, the House was adjourned sine die amid uproar on December 29, last year. The Opposition had moved 97 amendments to the bill in the Rajya Sabha. 21 political parties were represented in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party leader Ramvilas Paswan has said his party and the RJD are against the hurried manner in which the bill is being brought in.