BHUBANESWAR: The BJD has strongly pitched for inclusion of Prime Minister under the purview of the Lokpal even as sharp divisions on the contentious issue have hindered finalisation of the draft Bill which is now slated to be tabled in Parliament on Dec 9. With the Standing Committee holding a formal adoption meeting on Wednesday, the BJD has stood firm on the issue of bringing the Prime Minister under the ambit of Lokpal. The party, in a dissent note submitted to committee chairman Abhishekmanu Singhvi, has found no “reason to grant the Prime Minister, who in our parliamentary system is only the first among equals, any immunity from Lokpal’s scrutiny even while in office”. The Constitution framers did not give the Prime Minister any immunity from prosecution as in case of President. The Prevention of Corruption Act also has not accorded such immunity. Unlike the United States, the Prime Minister in India holds important portfolios, which are quite susceptible to corruption and have been embroiled in numerous scandals in earlier years, party MP and panel member Pinaki Mishra stated. There may be some exceptions in sensitive issues as space, atomic energy and national security. As a further safeguard for the elevated position of the Prime Minister, the full strength of Lokpal must decide on investigation or prosecution with at least three-fourth deciding in favour, Mishra added. The party, however, has gone with the Congress and against the Team Anna’s proposal for inclusion of Group C employees in Lokpal. The vast number of nearly 57 lakh employees as lower clerks, stenos, peons, sweepers, drivers, gardeners, who really have no important decision-making roles will only burden the institution. The lower bureaucracy in the States, who impact the lives of people as SHOs, sub-inspectors of police, junior engineers, civil supplies staff and revenue staff should be included in the Lokayuktas in the States. However, there should be a provision in the Bill that in future if the Lokpal believes that there are any significant decision-making staff in the lower bureaucracy escaping scrutiny they can be included. Mishra also termed the reversal of the committee decision to free the CBI Director’s appointment from the control of the ruling party as “most regrettable”. The CBI chief and all special directors should be selected by a committee comprising Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the chairman of Lokpal to establish the agency’s complete independence and prevent it from being the hatchet instrument of all ruling regimes. The party has also called for withdrawal of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill pending in Parliament and its reintroduction after making it more comprehensive and effective.
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