Prime Minister, lower bureaucracy may come under Lokpal

NEW DELHI: The government is amenable to bringing the prime minister under Lokpal, albeit with safeguards, as well as including Group C in the ambit of the legislation, to ensure smooth passage of the bill in Parliament.

Later in the evening, the PM held consultations with UPA constituents after which a “broad consensus” was reported on the matter. There was a sentiment in favour of bringing the PM and lower bureaucracy under Lokpal as the standing committee on Lokpal was divided on the two issues by a thin margin, a Congress leader said.

17 members favoured either complete exclusion of the PM from Lokpal or his inclusion only after demitting office and 13 members wanted him under Lokpal with safeguards.

On inclusion of lower bureaucracy, even Congress MPs Meenakshi Natarajan, Deepa Dasmunshi and PT Thomas put in a dissent note against the recommendation for limiting Lokpal only to Group A and B government employees. BJP, Left and SP also sought inclusion of lower bureaucracy under Lokpal.