Lokpal bill in parliament by Wednesday

The government will introduce the anti-graft lokpal bill in parliament within the first three days of the monsoon session beginning next week, Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said today.

The government will introduce the anti-graft lokpal bill in parliament within the first three days of the monsoon session beginning next week, Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said on Friday.

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"The lokpal bill is listed for introduction by Wednesday. The bill may be referred to the standing committee forthwith," Bansal said in New Delhi at his pre-session news conference. The monsoon session begins August 1.

He said that the government is hoping that the standing committee will submit its report in August itself so it could be taken up for passing during the month-long session.

"But the government cannot dictate terms to the standing committee," he said.

The controversial bill is likely to run into rough weather. The draft bill approved by the government keeps the Prime Minister out of the ambit of the lokpal. This has triggered criticism from the opposition and anti-corruption activists.