Govt drops minority quota in Lokpal bill

New Delhi, Dec 22: Government has dropped the term 'minorities' from new Lokpal Bill with regard to 50% quota in the Lokpal bench and the Search Committee while opting against splitting CBI's prosecution and investigation wings.

In the revised 64-page Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, it is proposed that 50 per cent of members of Lokpal and Lokayuktas shall be from anong SC, ST, OBC and women but skipped any mention of minorities.

Similar reservation is being provided in the Search Committee of the Lokpal.

In the Bill circulated today to MPs, it has been proposed that the CBI director will be selected by a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge nominated by him.

The changes in the appointment process will be made by amending the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, according to the Bill which has kept CBI out of the Lokpal's full control.

However, Lokpal will have provision for superintendence over CBI in corruption cases referred by it to the investigation agency.

The Lokpal brings Prime Minister under its purview with certain safeguards like excluding issues relating to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space.

The Chairperson and members of the Lokpal will be selected by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist nominated by the President of India.

In the case of Lok Ayuktas, the selection committee will have the Chief Minister, Speaker of assembly, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice or Judge of the High Court and an eminent jurist nominated by the Governor.

PTI