Form 2 graft panels: GoM

The nine member group of minister (GoM) headed by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday asked the cabinet secretary to form two committees to analyse the various reports of expert committees available with the government to tackle corruption.

The GoM, formed earlier this month, in its first meeting on Friday evening also discussed the latest draft of the lokpal bill which seeks to include the Prime Minister in the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman.

The cabinet secretary has been asked to submit a report in the next meeting on the options to tackle corruption based on existing expert reports.

Highly-placed sources said the GoM is expected to finalise its recommendations during the next couple of meetings to enable the government to place an-anti corruption framework during the budget session of Parliament.

“Our endeavour is to see that the lokpal bill is brought before Parliament or atleast consultations with the leaders of political parties can begin during the session,” said a source.

Among the seven specific issues handed over to the GoM for its consideration is the proposal to amend the Article 311 of the Constitution, which is meant to protect government servants against arbitrary dismissal and punishment.

The view in the government is that this article, which was meant to act as a shield for honest employees, has now become a hindrance in the fight against corruption.

The GoM will also look into whether a section in the law, which makes it mandatory for the CBI to seek government nod before investigating a case allegedly involving any official of the rank of joint secretary and above is required at all.