New Delhi, December 19: The union cabinet is expected to meet Monday evening to consider the much-awaited Lokpal Bill that is likely to bring the prime minister as well as Group C government employees in its purview with some conditions.
Informed sources said the amended bill is likely to be brought to the Lok Sabha Tuesday and the government will make an effort to pass the legislation in the winter session that concludes Thursday.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday held consultations with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Law Minister Salman Khurshid and Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy — who had fine tuned the bill.
Sources said the prime minister is expected to scrutinse the bill before it is placed for cabinet approval.
The ministers involved in finalising the bill had a series of meetings throughout the day and also briefed the prime minister about its provisions after the cabinet meeting.
The sources said that the cabinet meet Sunday saw some deliberations on the legislation.
They said that the government is expected to agree to demand of Team Anna and the opposition for inclusion of prime minister in the Lokpal but with some riders.
They said there may not be blanket inclusion of Group C employees and the process is expected to be guided by proper procedures.
The Citizen’s Charter is likely to have an “organic link” to the Lokpal, they added.
The sources said the government does not appear keen to place Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the Lokpal.
–IANS–