Lok Sabha passes Office of Profit Bill

The Bill exempts 46 posts, including the NAC chief, from its purview.

A Bill that provides for exempting 46 posts, including the National Advisory Council chairmanship, from the purview of the Office of Profit was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

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The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill, 2006 seeks to bring changes in the 1959 Act by exempting more posts from the purview of the Office of Profit.

The Bill was passed by voice vote amid opposition by the NDA with some of its members staging a walkout.

Replying to the debate, Law Minister HR Bhardwaj said the proposed legislation will put in place a system whereby definition of Office of Profit will be clear.

Emphasising that everyone's suggestions have been taken care of, he said the government has no ill will against anybody but lashed out at the opposition for attacking Sonia Gandhi.

"We have respect for everyone, every political leader. But still our leader is attacked," the Minister said.

Amid thumping of desks by treasury benches, he said the Congress President had shown ethical and moral values and principles, which were lacking in others.