Lokayukta to be a model bill: V Narayanasamy

NEW DELHI: With the selection of Lokayukta in Gujarat and Karnataka coming under criticism, Minister of State of Personnel and Training V Narayanasamy today said the government is considering a " model bill" to bring uniformity in the selection process of the anti-corruption watchdog.

"Lokayukta will be a model bill so that the state can bring uniformity in the law. In the selection process, they are involving the political people. We will ensure that there should be an independent process for the selection," he said.

Speaking at the valedictory session of two-day biennial conference of CBI and anti-corruption bureax of states, he said despite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh writing personal letters to all chief ministers, only 22 have constituted the Lokayukta while the rest are being "persuaded".

He said it has become "fashion" for everyone including courts to refer cases to the CBI but he was happy as it shows the "faith of people" in the investigations of the agency.

Referring to his meeting with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot where CBI has been given probe of two sensitive cases -- Bhanwari Devi missing and Bharatpur riots -- Narayanasamy said, "Why should you come to us? You have a strong police mechanism, investigative mechanism in your state."

"Now it has become a fashion for every state, also the courts... whatever is there political parties also demand CBI inquiry to be ordered. It has become a fashion for them," he said, adding, "Because the people of this country have faith and confidence in the CBI organisation."