Revised Lokpal bill: Key features of the govt draft

The government on Thursday is likely to approve changes to the Lokpal Bill, over which it has been at loggerheads with the Opposition and civil society. The amendments to the Lokpal and Lok Ayuktas Bill 2011 will be taken up in the Rajya Sabha during this Budget session. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament in 2011 but ran into hurdles in the Rajya Sabha. Several changes to the bill have been proposed by a select committee of the Rajya Sabha based on recommendations of members. [caption id=“attachment_608502” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representative image. Reuters[/caption] Here are some key features of the changes suggested by the government: *****The Bill seeks zero tolerance against corruption and an effective mechanism against complaints of corruption against public servants. *****The Bill seeks to make it mandatory for the states to set up their own Lokayuktas, or anti-corruption ombudsmen within a year of the bill coming into effect. *****Political parties will be brought under the Lokpal. *****The Whistleblowers’ Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha, seeks to protect the identity of whistleblowers and safeguard against their victimisation. *****The Whistleblowers’ Bill will provide a mechanism to encourage disclosure of information on corruption, abuse of power, etc. *****The Bill seeks to prevent corruption relating to bribery of foreign public officials and public international organisations. *****The Bill seeks to address corruption in international business contracts which distorts competition. *****The Bill will make such acts of corruption punishable with imprisonment of six months to seven years. *States and CBI not under purview of the Bill *The government did not agree to suo moto investigation against officials by Lokpal. Opportunity will be given to hearing of the official. *States have to pass Lokayuktas Bill within 365 days of passing by Parliament