Lokpal panel seeks views from political parties

A Parliamentary Committee examining Lokpal amendment bill has sought views from all recognised political parties on exclusion of assets detail of a government employee's spouse and dependent children in mandatory property declarations filed by him.
As per rules notified under the Lokpal Act, every public servant shall file declaration pertaining to his assets and liabilities, including that of his spouse and children, as on March 31 every year or on or before July 31 of that year.
The amendment Lokpal Bill, which is under consideration of a 31-member Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, headed by Congress MP E M Sudarsana Natchiappan, seeks to exempt government employees to give such details of their spouse and dependent children.

"We are sending letters to all recognised political parties to give their opinion on amendment of Section 44 of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. They have been asked to give reply by August 14," Natchiappan told PTI.
The provision deals with declaration of assets and liabilities by a public servant.
The political parties have been asked to depute any of their office bearers for further input before the panel which is scheduled to meet on August 18, he said.

The panel had earlier sought more time from Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari for completion of its work. ""We are awaiting for extension of time for submitting the report from the Chairman's office," Natchiappan said.

The amendment bill was was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 18 last year. It was then referred to the Committee on December 22, last year which was asked to submit its report by March 25, this year.
The panel had sought extension, which ended on July 30, to complete the task.
Bureaucrats have been demanding exemption from filing assets details of their spouse and dependent children. "Our main objection is that such information, which will be made public under the provisions of the Act, may pose security threat to their family members and prone to misuse," a senior government official said.