Salient features of amendments to lokpal and lokayuktas bill 2011 approved by the cabinet on January 31, 2013 are as below:-
Ø Collegium for Selection of Lokpal: The Bill provides for selection of Members of Lokpal by a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker (Lok Sabha), Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha), Cheif Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by CJI and an eminent jurist nominated by the President. The Select Committee has recommended that the fifth member of the Selection Committee (i.e., eminent jurist) may be nominated by the President on the basis of recommendation of the first four members of the Selection Committee. Government has accepted this recommendation.
(i) The setting up of a Directorate of prosecution headed by a Director of Prosecution under the overall control of Director, CBI;
(ii) The appointment of the Director of Prosecution on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission;
(iii) Maintenance of a panel of advocates by CBI, other than the Government Advocates, with the consent of the Lokpal for handling Lokpal referred cases;
(iv) Provision of adequate funds to CBI for investigating cases referred by Lokpal;
(v) Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal with the approval of Lokpal.
Government has decided to accept all these recommendations except the last one, i.e., seeking approval of Lokpal for transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by the Lokpal , which is proposed not to be accepted as it would affect the smooth functioning of the CBI.
Other salient features of the Bill
Ø Powers of supervision over CBI : The Bill confers powers of superintendence on the Lokpal over the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) in respect of matters referred by the Lokpal for inquiry/investigation.
Ø Appointment of Director, CBI: A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will recommend selection of the Director, CBI.
Ø Attachment/confiscation of ill-gotten property: The Bill contains provisions for attachment/ confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.
Ø Enhancement of punishments under Prevention of Corruption Act: The Bill proposes to enhance punishments under Prevention of Corruption Act:
(a) Maximum punishment from 7 years to 10 years
(b) Minimum punishment from 6 months to 2 years.
PIB
(Release ID :91960)
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