Jan Lok pal Bill

Janlokpal – lost in translation?
Govt. has presented its version of the lokpal bill in parliament, which has since been referred to the standing committee for deliberations. Standing committee in its first meeting had invited Anna and his team for their views and discussed their draft bill also. Many have raised questions on Anna’s draft and none of the political parties are in agreement to adopt his bill in totality. There are divergent views all around though everybody wants that a strong lokpal bill should come into force to check all pervasive corruption in the society.

Annaji has started its fast on 16th of Aug., amidst high drama of his arrest and release and parliament been paralyzed on govt.’s highhanded and clumsy handling of the situation. Anna’s arrest has brought out lakhs of people on streets in his support and decried govt.’s action in disallowing fundamental right of protest in a peaceful manner. Govt. has been badly humiliated inside and outside parliament and has finally backtracked by permitting Anna and his team to hold fast for 15days at Ramlila ground. Govt. had underestimated the public support Anna will be able to garner, and is confused on how to tackle the situation. It only hopes that crowd supporting Anna fizzles out due to fatigue or Anna is hospitalized to recover from prolonged fasting or similar such situation develops. Though Anna’s team is firm on its demand for strong lokpal as per its draft, yet there are voices within its team who want some give and take to settle the issue. Govt. too is probably willing to negotiate on some face saving terms of its own. 


The first four days of his fast has been a distraction of the main issue of acceptance of the terms of janlokpal as attention was diverted to allowing Anna a suitable place to fast and the needed infrastructure like security, sanitation, drinking water, loudspeakers etc. The mass support is more emotional than rational as most in the crowd hardly understand what the main issues of Janlokpal and govt.’s version of the bill are, and what implications on short or long terms are involved in either of them. The masses supporting Anna have lost faith in the creditability of the system and political class as a whole. All politicians are by and large considered corrupt hence the anger on the streets is manifestation of pent up emotions which has got an opportunity of expression provided by the agitation led by Anna and his team. Young middle class people in urban areas as well as others all over the country have been able to connect themselves with Anna, a
selfless social activist in whom they see a ray of hope in his version of the bill, in cleaning the system of day to day corruption and punishing those indulging in looting the nation of its resources. 


Anna’s team has set the deadline as 30th of Aug. but Govt. is no hurry to expedite the process instead is adopting the usual bureaucratic line of inviting public suggestions, personal interactions, public debate, all party consensus etc. that may take months to arrive at some conclusion before presenting the final bill in the parliament for approval. If the govt. sticks on its course of action then what happens to Anna’s life who continues with his fast? It is high time that govt. wakes up and listens to the aspirations of masses, which are on streets with peaceful protests in support of janlokpal. If public patience is tested too far, it will not take much time to get violent and be out of govt.’s control. Any attempt on negotiated settlement on the principle of give and take, as is being advocated will make janlokpal loose its sting in translation. 


Prime minister has stressed on passing a strong lokpal bill. He has not spelled out what type of strong lokpal bill he is talking about? The bill finalized by his govt. and presented in the parliament is an apology to a strong lokpal. Everyone wants strong, effective and enforceable bill for which Anna is ready to lay down his life, but in this process they are missing the woods for the trees. The objectives is, not the bill but the need to check, control and erase corruption from the system. The bill is only a means but not the objective. Hence any bill which can uproot corruption and catch and punish those perpetrating this evil in shortest possible time should be acceptable. The janlokpal presented by the team Anna does show the promise of achieving the objective. It can be fine tuned to remove irritants by mutual discussions to arrive at a consensus.


Time is running out. Let us not permit team Anna’S efforts to go down the drain. If we loose the opportunity now to bring out a strong lokpal biil capable of achieving the objective we will never get it again. Govt. should come out with an effective solution to the problem acceptable to Anna and his team in particular and public in general. Govt. should realize the urgency of the suggestion to cool down tempers and bring normalcy on the streets. 


May God give better sense to the govt. and strength to team Anna on logical conclusion of their efforts? 

Satyendra Malik

Jan lok pal bill

DEAR SIR,

 

WHY GOVT IS SCARY FOR ACCEPTING THE JLP BILL.  IS IT IS FIRST AND LAST EFFORTS BY THE CIVIL SOCIETY TO CURB THE CORRUPTION?. LET BEGIAN SOME THINGS TO REMOVE THE CORRUPTION FROM THE GRASS ROUTE LEVEL. MPS AND MINISTERS ARE ALSO PUBLIC SERVENTS AND GETTING SALARY AND PENSION FROM THE GOVT.  THIS IS THE PUBLIC MONEY AND   ON ONE CAN ALLOW THEM TO DO THIER MONOPLOY. 

 

R U AGREE WITH TO REMIAN WITH GOVT CREATED PRIZE HIKE.  IN THIS EPISODE WHO IS BENEFITED!   SURLY U R NOT.  

 

I AM QOTING A EXAMPLE OF SIX PAY COMMISSION.  THE SALRY OF CLASS I AND ABOVE HAS BEEN RAISED BY 3 TIME WHERE AS THE SALRY OF REST OF THE GOVT SERVENT WHO IS MORE THAN 95% , HAS BEEN RISED ONLY BY 1.8 TIME. 

 

PRIZE OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITY IS RAISING DAY BY DAY AND IS CONTINUE TO RAISE AS AND WHEN GOVT WANTS.  SERVICE TAX  HAS BEEN INCREASED BY MANY FOLD AND SO MANY ITMES HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS NET. NO REBEAT IS BEING GIVING ON INCOME TAX ON THIS ACCOUNT.  

 

FOR FLATED DDA HOUSES THE WATER SERVICE CHARGE IS MORE THAN 200% OF ACTUAL BILL OF WATER CHARGES. THE FIXED CONSUMPTON HAS ALSO BEEN INCLREASED WITHOUT ANY NOTICES. ( 20 KL TO 22 KL)

 

 

AAM ADMI IS FACING GREAT DIFFICULTY TO GET THIER DAILY NECESSITY.  

 

Honsety is the best policy and do the things either for your self and for soceity with the same sprit.

 

LETS AGREED FOR ANA JLP BILL.  PL DO NOT SPEAK THE GOVT TAILERED LOKPAL   BILL WHICH IS TOTALLY WRONG.    

R.K.SHARMA

 

Jan Lok Pal Bill

Hi All

Please read the forwarded comments from Mr Rajiv Kakaria, which depicts the hard facts of the Lok Pal Bill.His comments about Jan Lok Pal Bill are also valid and important. Churn your minds and give your comments in response to the Parliamentary Standing Committee's ad seeking comments/suggestions from the public on the Lok Pal Bill.

Ram Gupta

General Secretary

Priyadarshini Vihar RWA

Jan Lok Pal Bill Vs. Lok Pal Bill : Mail from Mr Rajiv Kakria

Today (20-8-2011) the Standing Committee published the Ad. inviting Objections / Suggestions ........ and Our Worst Fears are CONFIRMED. You may remember the draft resolution from RWAs I had mailed to you stating how the Govt. Lokpal will impact the working of RWAs and NGOs. Sample just two of the following parts of the proposed Bill .......

 

Para (iii) the category of public functionaries against whom alligation of corruption are to be inquired into, namely, Prime Minister, after he has demitted office; Minister of the Union; Member of Parliament; any group A officer or equivalent; a Chairperson or member or offcer equivalent, Group A in any body, Board, corporation, authority, company, society, trust, autonomous body established by an act of Parliament or wholley or partly financed or controlled by the Central Governmnet; any Director, manager, secretary or other officer of a society or association of persons or trustly wholley or partly financed or aided by the Government or in reciept of donations from the public and whose annual income exceeds such amount as the Central Government may be notification specified but the organisations created for religious purposes and receiving public donations would be outside the purview of the Lokpal.

 

Para (xiv) to provide for prosecution of persons who make false or frivolous or vexatious complaints.

 

This is a sure remedy to turn Lok Tantra into Ghotala Tantra ........ see the clever way they have included RWAs / NGOs and how they have given the Big Fish an escape hatch thru organisations created for religious purposes ..... we all know about temple trusts and their accounting and audit procedures ....... we hear of a certian Kerala temple these days ...... or is it they are scared of the Non Hindu Religious bodies.

 

I am in a rush now, but soon I shall Google ...... Kalmadi Religious Trust ..... Raja Devasthanam Trust ......

 

After this Lokpal, they will soon be out and sue Times Now and TV Today respectively and get Arnab Goswami n Rahul Kanwal jailed for two years.

 

As for me ..... I am member of Greater Kailash Religious Association (GKRA) ....... Catch me if you can Sibal / Chidambaram ...... you yourself have kept Religious organisations out.

 

Infact I will also Google Sibal Dham Trust and Chidipuram Religious Trust.

 

Regds,

 

Rajiv Kakria

 

PS: for those who did not read my earlier resolution .....

 

Jan Lok Pal Bill Vs. Lok Pal Bill : Mail from Mr Rajiv Kakria

Please be informed that the Govt. Lokpal Bill has been cleared by the Entire Cabinet ..... and is only a few steps from being law ...... can we really trust such people who introduce such Draconian provisions to curb the Voice that calls out CHOR, CHOR ...... and gives every opportunity to the CHOR ..... including time to destroy evidence. No RWA will be able to perform ...... for fear of being Prosecuted for raising Social Issues or Municipal Apathy Clauses in Govt. Lokpal Bill .... 

1. The most scary provision of the Govt draft is: If a citizen complains against a “babu”. The Babu has a right to file a counter complaint against his accuser in court. If the accuser fails to prove the “babu” is corrupt, he can be jailed for 2 years. ( this means if you accuse a babu, then you will have the onus of proving him corrupt and if you don't you get 2 years jail). If you manage to prove him corrupt his max sentence is 6 months. Whats more, “babu” gets a Govt appointed attorney FREE, while you need to pay for your own defence.

2. The second scary part is called the Preliminary Investigation: As per the Govt draft, if a “babu” is accused of a misdeed, lets say we complain that there is a particular person looking the other way in Olympic Committee in return for 200-300 Cr that he has accumulated. The LokPal has to call the Accused and present ALL the evidence he has collected to the accused. The accused then has a right to explain his defence, which may take a few days. This means that even before the Lokpal can do a CBI style raid and catch the accused off guard, the accused has 2-3 days to make sure the evidence is wiped clean. This is a travesty of justice. Nowhere in the world does an investigative agency have to show all the evidence to an accused BEFORE even a trial starts.

3. The Third part is that Govt draft covers only A class officers of the Govt service. Not B, C & D class. The lower staff officially becomes the collection agents for higher ups ..... nothing will ever get traced to the higher ups. The reason given by the Govt is that there aren’t enough officers to control so many cases of corruption, which would come up if all these officers were included. However, this manpower shortage has not stopped them from including all NGOs REGISTERED OR UNREGISTERED from being under the purview of the Lokpal. THIS IS DANGEROUS, this means that even your housing society/RWA is under the Lok Pal.

 4. The fourth bone of contention lies with the fact that the Govt version of the Lok Pal Bill is not neutral, it allows for a 9 member committee. 5 of which will be Govt appointees such as MPs etc. The others will be people like the serving CVC ....... how will it be different from the PAC which just a few days back prevented the 2G scam report from being tabled. 




Points for Jan Lokpal ..... The Jan Lokpal was placed before the public and on the website and many updated versions were made as and when new facts were placed before them. Enough efforts were made on the part of Team Anna to involve Civil Society .... In one such meeting we had endorsed that the Judiciary be also brought into the ambit of Lokpal ...... which was incorporated in later versions. The one aspect that we specifically had asked for was that too much emphasis have been laid in trying to catch corrupt ....... not much, if anything has been incorporated to Prevent Corruption. When two people connive to loot public exchequer then without proper preventive safeguards it will be impossible to catch or prove wrong doing.

Distributed on behalf of RWAs ...... for information. Part of RWA Resolution to be sent to Prime Minister.

Few questions on Lok Pal Bill

We salute Anna ji for his efforts to curb corruption in India. But :

Do you think Arvind Kejriwal is right in saying that Govt must accept the Anna ji's Jan Lok Pal Bill in TOTO i.e. without any changes or amendments ?

Do you think that the Jan Lok Pal Bill drafted by just 5 persons should be imposed in India without discussions or amendments ?

Do you think that the mega Jan Lok Pal Bill can be passed by 30th August i.e. in a hurry & without much discussions on this issue ?

It's a healthy discussion. Plz join us on the blog or Facebook : rwabhagidari

10 differences between Jan Lokpal Bill and Govt Bill

By: MR Madhavan, PRS Legislative Research

The streets are witnessing a demand that the government's Lok Pal Bill be replaced by the Jan Lok Pal Bill (JLP) as drafted by the team led by Anna Hazare. There are several significant differences between the two bills. In this note, we describe the some of these differences.

First, there is a divergence on the jurisdiction of the Lok Pal. Both bills include ministers, MPs for any action outside Parliament, and Group A officers (and equivalent) of the government. The government Bill includes the Prime Minister after he demits office whereas the JLP includes a sitting Prime Minister. The JLP includes any act of an MP in respect of a speech or vote in Parliament (which is now protected by Article 105 of the Constitution). The JLP includes judges; the government Bill excludes them. The JLP includes all government officials, while the government Bill does not include junior (below Group A) officials. The government Bill also includes officers of NGOs who receive government funds or any funds from the public; JLP does not cover NGOs.

Second, the two Bills differ on the composition. The government Bill has a chairperson and up to 8 members; at least half the members must have a judicial background. The JLP has a chairperson and 10 members, of which 4 have a judicial background.

Third, the process of selecting the Lok Pal members is different. The JLP has a two stage process. A search committee will shortlist potential candidates. The search committee will have 10 members; five of these would have retired as Chief Justice of India, Chief Election Commissioner or Comptroller and Auditor General; they will select the other five from civil society. The Lok Pal chairperson and members will be selected from this shortlist by a selection committee. The selection committee consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, two Supreme Court judges, two high court chief justices, the Chief Election Commissioner, the Comptroller and Auditor General and all previous Lok Pal chairpersons.

The government Bill has a simpler process. The selection will be made by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the leaders of Opposition in both Houses of Parliament, a Supreme Court judge, a high court chief justice, an eminent jurist and an eminent person in public life. The selection committee may, at its discretion, appoint a search committee to shortlist candidates.

Fourth, there are some differences in the qualifications of a member of the Lok Pal. The JLP requires a judicial member to have held judicial office for 10 years or been a high court or Supreme Court advocate for 15 years. The government Bill requires the judicial member to be a Supreme Court judge or a high court chief justice. For other members, the government Bill requires at least 25 years experience in anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance or finance. The JLP has a lower age limit of 45 years, and disqualifies anyone who has been in government service in the previous two years.

Fifth, the process for removal of Lok Pal members is different. The government Bill permits the president to make a reference to the Supreme Court for an inquiry, followed by removal if the member is found to be biased or corrupt. The reference may be made by the president (a) on his own, (a) on a petition signed by 100 MPs or (c) on a petition by a citizen if the President is then satisfied that it should be referred. The President may also remove any member for insolvency, infirmity of mind or body, or engaging in paid employment.

The JLP has a different process. The process starts with a complaint by any person to the Supreme Court. If the court finds misbehaviour, infirmity of mind or body, insolvency or paid employment, it may recommend his removal to the President.

Sixth, the offences covered by the bills vary. The government Bill deals only with offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The JLP, in addition, includes offences by public servants under the Indian Penal Code, victimization of whistleblowers and repeated violation of citizen's charter.

Seventh, the government Bill provides for an investigation wing under the Lok Pal. The JLP states that the CBI will be under the Lok Pal while investigating corruption cases.

Eighth, the government Bill provides for a prosecution wing of the Lok Pal. In the JLP, the CBI's prosecution wing will conduct this function.

Ninth, the process for prosecution is different. In the government Bill, the Lok Pal may initiate prosecution in a special court. A copy of the report is to be sent to the competent authority. No prior sanction is required. In the JLP, prosecution of the Prime Minister, ministers, MPs and judges of Supreme Court and high courts may be initiated only with the permission of a 7-judge bench of the Lok Pal.

Tenth, the JLP deals with grievance redressal of citizens, in addition to the process for prosecuting corruption cases. It requires every public authority to publish citizen's charters listing its commitments to citizens. The government Bill does not deal with grievance redressal.

Given the widespread media coverage and public discussions, it is important that citizens understand the differences and nuances. This may be a good opportunity to enact a law which includes the better provisions of each of these two bills.

with thanks : moneycontrol.com : link above.

FREE MULTI-SPECIALITY HEALTH CHECK UP CAMP AT PRIYADARSHINI VIHAR

ON the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of our Independence, Priyadarshini Vihar RWA and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi jointly organized a Free Multi-speciality Health Check Up Camp at Priyadarshini Vihar, Delhi 110 092 on Sunday, 14th August 2011.It was inaugurated by Dr A. K. Walia, Minister of Health, Govt of NCT of Delhi. The Apollo Team led by its Managing Director, Mr Jaideep Gupta, Director (Medical Services) Dr Raman Sardana and the General Manager (Operations), Ms Raji Chandru, included senior doctors from various disciplines including, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Surgery, Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology (Eyes), and Orthopedics.  Over 150 residents of Priyadarshini Vihar and other neighbouring colonies got their health check up done at the Camp.  Tests like ECG, bone densitometry, blood sugar, and Blood Pressure were also carried out 
.  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Raman Sardana urged the audience to develop habits of In his brief remarks, Dr Walia also emphasized on good food habits, morning walk and exercises to keep healthy.taking more of green vegetables, unfried food and regular exercises to keep fit and healthy.

Dr Walia also launched a Family Privilege Card issued by Apollo Hospital whereby the holder  would get discounts ranging from 10 - 25% in all services provided by the Hospital.  Dr Walia handed over the cards to five randomly selected senior citizens of Priyadarshini Vihar.

Ram Gupta, General Secretary of the RWA thanked the Apollo Team for organizing the  multi-speciality camp and issuing Privilege Cards to the residents, which include over 250 senior citizens who would be greatly benefitted.

Candle March for Anna ji on 16th August, 2011, when he was arrested in New Delhi

WHO IS Anna Hazare Ji ?

10 things to know about Anna Hazare 'n Jan Lok Pal Bill.. !

1. Who is Anna Hazare?

An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

2. What's so special about him?

He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra

3. So what?

This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills.

In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.

4. Ok,...?

This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.

5. Really, what is he fighting for?

He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.

6. How that can be possible?

He is advocating for a Bil, The Jan Lokpal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

7. It's an entirely new thing right..?

In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).

8. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?

The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.

Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the JAN LOKPAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

9. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?

A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.

10. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?

Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.

Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more. 

Ok, got it. What can I do?

At least we can spread the message. 

How?

Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics.

At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption from India.

At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.

At least we can pray for his good health.

Thanks for reading.

Please Spread This msg As Much As You Can 'n Tell Others To Do The Same.. !

sent to us by : Mr T K Balu

Anna ji

जय हो , सरकार गलती पर गलती कर रही है जे पी पार्क में तो इजाजत नहीं दी पर देखो विधि का विधान, तिहाड़ में बिना किसी लिखित इजाजत के, अन्ना को इस से अच्छी और  सुरक्छित जगह कहा मिलेगी पूरी सुरक्छा के साथ , और अगर इन में से किसी भी क्रन्तिकारी को कुछ भी होता हे तो उस के लिए सरकार जवाब देह होगी, सरकार जुमेवार होगी, बहुत उतम स्थान हे अनशन  के लिए ,यह अनशन निरंतर यही पर जारी रहे.  वन्दे मातरम

Jagdeep Sharma