Lokpal Bill should be passed on Parliament's consensus:Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: As he met leaders of various political parties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he was keen to see the "momentous" Lokpal Bill passed during the current session of Parliament based on a consensus that is driven by the House as the "custodian of legislation".

"The government is committed to implement in letter and spirit a good and effective Lokpal Bill that would have a quick and positive impact in further curbing the cancer of corruption without any adverse effects on the efficiency of our system of public administration," he said in his opening remarks at the all-party meet.

Seeking "guidance and cooperation in this matter of paramount importance", Singh said the Lokpal Bill issue should not be subjected to party politics.

"I am personally keen that this momentous legislation should be passed on the basis of consensus among all parties as far as possible and that this should not be subjected to party politics in any way," he said.

Asking everyone to "keep the interests of the country foremost in our minds", he said "the government is also keen that we must make all efforts to pass a Lokpal Bill in this very session that is based on consensus and that is driven by Parliament as the custodian of legislation."

He wanted leaders of the parties to indicate how far the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee meet the sense of Parliament and how far the various provisions are feasible and efficacious.