Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Prime Minister's Office

09-April-2011 9:20 IST

PM says agreement to combat corruption augurs well for democracy.

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that the agreement to combat corruption augurs well for democracy. Following is the text of the statement by the PM:

“I am happy that the Government and representatives of civil society have reached an agreement in our mutual resolve to combat corruption. This is a scourge that confronts all of us. The Government intends to introduce the Lokpal bill in Parliament during the monsoon session. The fact that civil society and Government have joined hands to evolve a consensus to move this historic legislation augurs well for our democracy. I am pleased that Anna Hazareji has agreed to give up his fast.

The interaction between the Government and representatives of Anna Hazareji was productive. I hope that the process of preparing this legislation will move forward in a constructive mode so that after consultation with a wide spectrum of stake holders the legislation is placed before the cabinet for introduction during the monsoon session.”

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AD/SK

Lokpal bill consensus between government and civil society prompts collaborative drafting and Cabinet submission during the monsoon session. Agreement between the Government and civil society establishes a consensus-driven process to draft the Lokpal Bill, with the Government committing to place the legislation before the Cabinet for introduction in Parliament during the monsoon session after wide stakeholder consultation.