New Delhi, Dec 6 (PTI) In a significant change of mind, the Parliamentary Committee has recommended inclusion of Prime Minister within the ambit of Lokpal with some safeguards along with two other options and left it to the "good sense" of Parliament to decide on the final choice. The Committee, however, favoured keeping out judiciary, MPs' conduct in Parliament and Group C and D employees at the Centre out of the ambit of Lokpal while recommending inclusion of C and D employees of the states under Lokayuktas. The Parliamentary Committee on Personnel and Law and Justice which will meet tomorrow for adoption of the 199-page report has decided not to tinker with the present system of appointment of CBI Director. In a new recommendation, the Committee has favoured 50 per cent reservation to members of SC/ST, OBC, minorities and women in the seven-member Search Panel for choosing a Lokpal and to make the Search Panel mandatory. It also favours inclusion of Chief Ministers under the state Lokayuktas and if the report is accepted then the Bill should be named as Lokpal/Lokayukta Bill, 2011. The recommendation for inclusion of Prime Minister excluding his decisions on national security, foreign affairs, atomic energy and space along with issues which come under "national interest" and "public order" marks a change from the earlier draft which was silent on the issue. While members of parties belonging to BJP, BJD and the Left were insisting on inclusion of PM, those belonging to the Congress and some small parties, constituting a majority in the 30-member committee, were either opposed to it or were in favour only after he demits office. (MORE)
( Enjoy Moneycontrol.com on iPad and be prepared for a fantastic experience. Get real time stock quotes, interactive charts, market buzz, and watch CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz live on your iPad. Check out the free moneycontrol app. Click here to download now )