ശ്രീരാമ പട്ടാഭിഷേകം 

Ganapathi Bappa Moria

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Christmas 2011

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Lokpal

Lokpal :-

The word Lokpal means an ombudsman in India. The word has been derived from the Sanskrit words "loka" (people) and "pala" (protector/caretaker). So the word Lokpal means 'protector of people'. The concept of Lokpal has been drawn up to root out corruption at all levels in the prevailing Indian polity.

Lokpal Bill :- 

After 42 years, the Jan Lokpal Bill is still pending in India. The first Lokpal Bill was introduced by Shanti Bhushan and passed in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1969 but could not get through in the Rajya Sabha, subsequently, Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008, yet they were never passed and it is pending.

The Lokpal Bill provides for filing complaints of corruption against the prime minister, other ministers, and MPs with the ombudsman. The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) while recommending the constitution of Lokpal was convinced that such an institution was justified not only for removing the sense of injustice from the minds of adversely affected citizens but also necessary to instill public confidence in the efficiency of administrative machinery. Following this, the Lokpal Bill was for the first time presented during the fourth Lok Sabha in 1968, and was passed there in 1969.

However, while it was pending in the Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha was dissolved so the bill was not passed at that time. The bill was revived in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and most recently in 2008. Each time, after the bill was introduced to the house, it was referred to some committee for improvements - a joint committee of parliament, or a departmental standing committee of the Home Ministry - and before the government could take a final stand on the issue the house was dissolved. Several flaws have been cited in the recent draft of the Lokpal Bill.[3] Meanwhile the activists of India Against Corruption (IAC) have prepared a draft for the bill called Jan Lokpal Bill.

History :-

The basic idea of the Lok Pal is borrowed from the office of ombudsman, which has played an effective role in checking corruption and wrong-doing in Scandinavian and other nations. In early 1960s, mounting corruption in public administration set the winds blowing in favour of an Ombudsman in India too. The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) set up in 1966 recommended the constitution of a two-tier machinery - of a Lokpal at the Centre, and Lokayukta(s) in the states.

Latest Developments:-

Anna Hazare, a Gandhian rights activist, had started a fast until death at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi demanding the passing of the bill. Hazare called off his hunger strike on 9th April 2011 bringing to an end his 98-hour protest after government issued a gazette notification constituting a 10-member Joint Committee of government ministers and civil society activists, including him, to draft a bill for the creation of an effective Lokpal. Thousands of people from all over India, especially the youth supported Anna Hazare's cause by candle light marches and online campaigns through social media.

Recently Yoga guru Swami Ramdev, was on a fast for this cause for 9 consecutive days from 4 June - 12 June 2011. He wanted the Government of India to accept various demands which mainly includes those related to the Lokpall bill.

Anna Hazare on 8th June declared that he will restart the fast unto death on 16th August 2011 if the Lokpal bill is not passed by the Parliament of India by 15th August, which is the Independence Day of India. It is called,"India's 2nd Revolution for Freedom". On 16th June, the civil society reported that only 15 points of total 71 that they recommended have been agreed by the Joint Committee consisting of five central ministers. Following differences with the Civil Society, the team of five central ministers has decided to forward two drafts of Lokpal Bill to the Cabinet, one from each side.