CVC to suggest changes in proposed Lokpal bill

The CVC will suggest to the Parliamentary Standing Committee certain changes in the proposed Lokpal bill and pitch for greater powers to prosecute higher bureaucracy in corruption-related cases.

The CVC will suggest to the Parliamentary Standing Committee certain changes in the proposed Lokpal bill and pitch for greater powers to prosecute higher bureaucracy in corruption-related cases.

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Senior officials in the country's top anti-corruption body said that a detailed presentation explaining the Commission's role in checking graft in government departments has been prepared for the perusal of the panel.

"There may be a conflict of interest in case the Lokpal comes into force in the form being envisaged by civil society. The Commission is given wide powers to probe any complaints of corruption involving central government officials including those working in banks and public sector units, which will also be vested with the Lokpal," a CVC official said, requesting anonymity.

The Commission, comprising Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar and two of his deputies R Srikumar and J M Garg, will present their views in this regard on September 7 before the House committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice.

"We will explain that there has to be proper division of work between the CVC and proposed Lokpal. The powers of two bodies should not be made contradictory to hamper probe in corruption cases. We need certain changes in it.

"The panel should consider incorporating either the Central Vigilance Commissioner or one of the two Vigilance Commissioners into the Lokpal for smooth functioning," the official said refusing to divulge further details on the CVC's presentation.