And for a Friday, a milestone week when finally the Lokpal is constituted….. some thoughts…..
Lokpal (Caretaker of the People) was first coined by veteran Politician Dr.L M Singhi in 1963. Bills introduced in Parliament in 1968, 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998 and 2001. Every time it got referred to a Parliamentary Committee and somehow stalled till finally Anna Hazare shook the Nation with his “India against Corruption” movement. Coincidentally, it was the son of the originator, leading Advocate and Politician Dr. Abhishek Singhvi who finally chaired the Committee and the Lokpal Bill was enacted on December 18, 2013.
Let us celebrate. Finally we now have the Lokpal constituted with some of the most competent and accomplished individuals – Justice PC Ghose as Chairman and 8 members of whom 4 are from Judicial and 4 non Judicial. The Nation joins in wishing them success in the great struggle ahead in the fight against corruption.
The original Lokpal Bill has been diluted by our Babus and Politicians. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Amendment Act 2016 is one of the many subtle changes. Original act required all Public officials to furnish details of Movable and Immovable Assets which he, his spouse and his dependent children are jointly or severally, owners or beneficiaries. This clause has been amended to – every public servant shall make a declaration of his Assets and liabilities in such form and manner as may be prescribed. The rationale for the change, the Review committee opined, is the colonial mindset of suspecting the officials need to be discarded….. interesting!!!!!!??
Notwithstanding all the difficulties and complexities, India is marching ahead. Let us all, the Honest citizens, wish and pray for newly constituted Lokpal and his team. Let us all make India a developed Nation the Ethical way, the Transparent way, the SEEGOS way.