Team Anna has finally opposed the draft Lokayukta bill of Bihar. This development has come a day after the state cabinet has approved the proposed changes in the present structure of Lokayukta.
Prominent RTI worker and key aide of Team Anna, Arvind Kejriwal said today that the bill proposed by Bihar Government has several loopholes and is in contrast to the Jan Lokpal Bill.He also appealed Nitish Kumar to make few changes to ensure an independent Lokayukta body.He further highlighted following issues with the proposed bill
1. The selection, suspension and removal of the Lokayukta will be in government’s control and therefore it will not be independent.
2. Lokayukta would require permission from Government to investigate and prosecute a Government officer.
3. Punishment to a complainant if he files a frivolous complaint and punishment for a corrupt officer is the same
4. Corrupt Government officers will get free legal assistance from the government against the complainant.
It is notable that Bihar Government earlier invited Team Anna to draft the new Lokayukta bill for Bihar on the pattern of Jan Lokpal Bill. However the present Lokayukta Bill is in sharp contrast with Jan Lokpal Bill.