Govt open to debate on Lok Pal

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the central government was open to a “reasoned debate” for resolving differences on the Lok Pal bill. And, maintained such an institution was not the sole solution for eliminating corruption.

“There are differences of view on details of the Bill. We have made it clear that all concerned should convey their views on different aspects to their representative in Parliament and to the standing committee (which is examining the Bill). The committee has the power to propose any amendment. We are open to a reasoned debate on all these issues,” Singh said, addressing a gathering of students and academicians at the Indian Institute of Management here.

And, said such a body would not suffice. “It (Lok Pal) needs to be supported by improvements in the pace and quality of the judicial processes. Speedy trials and timely judgements will do a great deal to discourage corruption and dispel the notion that those who break the law can get away scot-free,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that there's need to make government decisions more transparent and a group of ministers had been asked to look into the issue.

He also made a mention of the issue of unaccounted (‘black’) money. “The funding of elections and of political parties happens to be yet another area which calls for reforms to reduce the scope for generation of black money,” he said.

Saying economic liberalisation and associated reforms had helped eliminate corruption in certain areas, Singh said, “Industrial licensing, import licensing and rationing of foreign exchange are good examples. These areas were earlier associated with widespread corruption. The abolition of licensing has eliminated corruption in these areas.”