Lokpal Bill-the distinctive features and the necessity

 Social activist Anna Hazare's hunger strike in New Delhi demanding changes in the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill entered the third day on Thursday. The anti-corruption campaign has now been joined by thousands of people. More than 150 people joining Hazare’s fast unto-death at the Jantar Mantar.Almost 5,000 people from all walks of life have gathered at Jantar Mantar to show their support for Hazare. Social activists and people in 400 cities all across India and foreign countries have come out in support of Hazare.In Bhopal thousands of people signed on a postcard addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi demanding introduction of Lokpal Bill in Parliament. Social activists and people in Lucknow, led by Medha Patkar, have backed Hazare's crusade.

Now What are the distinctive features of the Lokpal bill?

The bill introduced in the Parliament in the year 2004.

1.The bill provides for the establishment of the institution of Lokpal to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries including the PM , provided the offense committed is within 10 years from the day the complaint is lodged.

2. The Lokpall shall consist of chairperson who is or has been a chief justice or a  judge of the Supreme Court and the two members who are or have been the judges of the Supreme court or the Chief justice of the High court.

3. The bill provides for a fixed tenure of 3 years for the Chairperson and the members.

4. The Chairperson and members shall be appointed by the President of India on the recommended of a committee headed by the Vice President of India and compromising the PM , the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Home Minister, the leader of the House other than the House in which the PM is a member and the leaders of the opposition in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

5. To ensure independence and impartiality , the bill provides that the chairperson or a member of the Lokpal shall not be removed from office, except by an order made by the President on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity. He can issue the removal order after an inquiry by a committee consisting of the Chief Justice of India and two other judges of the Supreme Court (Next to the Chief justice in seniority). 

India is a country where honesty and integrity in public and private life have been glorified and upheld in great epics like Vedas, Upanishads etc. But we can't deny the fact that India is one the most corrupt countries in the world.Bringing public servants under the scanner which makes them strictly accountable is the start of a movement against corruption in India.And one significant step in attacking the corruption in India will be the implementation of the Lok pal bill.

It is necessary...