Effective implementation of Lokpal Act necessary: Anna Hazare

MUMBAI: Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare stressed on the effective implementation of Lokpal Act and said only "40 to 50 per cent" of corruption can be curbed by the newly enacted legislation.

"Our dream of a corruption-free India cannot be realised only through the Lokpal Act. The need of the hour is to ensure its effective implementation. Similarly, we have to struggle for laws like right to reject, right to recall, for empowerment of gram sabhas and citizens' charter," Hazare told reporters at his village Ralengan Siddhi in Pune district.

The much-awaited Lokpal Act got the assent from President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday. The act contemplates an anti-graft watchdog with even the Prime Minister's office falling under its purview.

Hazare said he would soon undertake a nationwide tour to mobilise "honest, efficient citizens" to create awareness about the crusade against corruption.

He said if such an organisation is set up at tehsil, district and state level, pressure can be built on the (state) legislature and the Parliament to strengthen the anti-corruption laws.

He also demanded setting up of Lokayuktas in all the states at the earliest. Hazare also demanded strict action against bureaucrats and politicians indicted by the judicial commission which probed the Adarsh housing society scam in Maharashtra.

Praising his former protege, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare said if Congress withdrew the support to AAP government, people would teach Congress a lesson.