The joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill met in New Delhi on Monday in a bid to bridge the differences on some proposals concerning the jurisdiction of the proposed Lok pal.
The meeting lasted for about three hours.Both the government side and the Anna Hazare team said that the discussions were held in a positive and constructive manner. The committee will meet on Tuesday during which both the sides will exchange their drafts on which they will comment upon.HRD Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters that 80 to 85 per cent issues were resolved.”On a range of issues, there is a broad agreement. It is a major step forward. Both sides feel we should move towards a consensus to formulate a draft where difficult issues of divergence are spelt out when it goes to political parties sometime in July,” Sibal said.
On the basis of this, a strong Lokpal Bill can be drafted and sent to Cabinet so that it can be introduced in Parliament in the Monsoon session.”There is agreement on 80 to 85 per cent of issues,” Sibal said.
Civil Society representative Prashant Bhushan said Monday’s talks were productive.He said both the sides are still to agree on the manner of appointing selection committee for Lokpal and making a reference to Supreme Court against Lokpal.