Babus to be presumed corrupt if they fail to declare assets: Lokpal bill

NEW DELHI: The Lokpal will presume that a public servant has acquired assets through corrupt means if he or she fails to declare them or gives any misleading information, says a proposal in the Lokpal bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The Lokpal can also recommend transfer or suspension of public servants connected with allegations of corruption.

The anti-corruption watchdog would take up corruption matters involving ministers, MPs, Group 'A' officers and others equivalent to this grade in any body, board, authority, corporation, trust, society or autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament.

The Lokpal Bill seeks to keep the office of the Prime Minister outside the purview of the ombudsman during his term in office and also excludes the higher judiciary and conduct of MPs inside Parliament.

The institution would inquire into allegations of corruption in respect of the Prime Minister only after he demits office.

The Lokpal, consisting of Chairperson and eight members, half of them judicial, will have its own prosecution and investigation wing with officers and staff necessary to carry out its functions.

Persons with impeccable integrity, with 25 years of experience in administration who have dealt with corruption and vigilance, would also form part of the Lokpal.

According to one of the provisions of the bill, the Lokpal cannot look into complaints against any of its members or the Chairman. Such complaints would be referred to the Chief Justice of India by the President.