New Delhi, September 14 (AGENCIES): In the wake of Anna Hazare’s movement for a strong Lokpal Bill, the government on Wednesday announced several key measures aimed at curbing corruption. Addressing a joint press conference, Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid and Minister of State in the PMO, V Narayanasamy said ministers will no longer have discretionary quota.
It was announced that there will be 20% cut in the pension of government officials who are found to be corrupt after they have retired, while in smaller cases the pension cut would be 10%. In case the corrupt official is close to retirement, he/she will be retired early. Further, the permission to initiate legal action against corrupt officials will be given in a maximum period of three months, Khurshid said. He also announced that 71 fast-track CBI courts will try corruption cases, out of which 44 are already in place.
On electoral reforms, the government announced that the PM will hold consultations with all political parties on the issue. Contentious issues like the right to recall and measures to keep those with criminal records away from electoral process will be part of the discussions. Moreover, to ensure timely delivery of public services, the government will bring in a national-level Citizen’s Charter bill.
As regards tackling corruption in judiciary, Khurshid said the government will look into setting up of a judicial commission for appointment of judges. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accepted the recommendations of the eGoM. The key decisions, which were taken today at an eGoM meeting, will be placed before Parliament for approval in the Winter Session.
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