Steps taken to fulfil House resolution: PMO to Anna

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V Narayanasamy has written a letter to social activist Anna Hazare claiming the government has taken all necessary steps to fulfil the promise it had made to him in the 'Sense of House' resolution passed by the Parliament on August 27, 2011.

The resolution had helped the government persuade Anna to end his indefinite fast at Ramlila Maidan. Soon after the Standing Committee submitted the draft Bill to Parliament, Hazare had started criticising the government for "betraying the nation" by not fulfilling its promise.

In his letter dated January 10, 2013, Narayanasamy has reiterated that government was keen to have both Lokpal Bill and The Right of Citizens for Time-Bound Delivery of Goods and Services passed at the earliest. The communication is in response to Hazare's recent letter to the Prime Minister regarding "lack of action on part of the government on the 'Sense of House' resolution.

"...on August 27, 2011, the House had agreed in principle on the Citizen Charter, lower bureaucracy to be brought under Lokpal through appropriate mechanism and establishment of Lokayuktas in the States. This was communicated to the Standing Committee. The committee suggested major amendments in the Bill... The government withdrew the Lokpal Bill, 2011 and introduced a new comprehensive Lokpal and Lokayuktas' Bill, 2011," wrote Narayanasamy.

Though the Bills were passed with certain amendments in the Lok Sabha, it couldn't be passed for want of the requisite majority. In Rajya Sabha discussions remained inconclusive. But by way of a motion it was referred to a select committee. It has submitted its report to the House on November 23, 2012 with certain recommendations, writes Narayanasamy.

"I would like to assure that further action on the basis of these recommendations is being taken," he wrote.

ALSO READ

Pawan Bansal gave 'illegal favours' as minister for water resources

No one can influence process to fill the Railway Board posts: Pawan Bansal

Anti-Church article in BJP magazine shows split in Sangh Parivar

HC orders 3-phase rural polls in Bengal