People want an effective Lokpal bill, says Jaitley

New Delhi – BJP leader Arun Jaitley said Tuesday that parliament should pass “an effect! ive Lokpal” bill which meets expectations of people.

Participating in the debate on the Lokpal bill in the Rajya Sabha, Jaitley suggested some changes in the legislation tabled by the government and said his party will fully back the legislation.

He said it should be made clear in the bill that investigative machinery under Lokpal has powers of search and seizure without notice.

Jaitley, who is Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said that his party was against religion-based appointments in Lokpal as it was against the spirit of the constitution.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader said the Lokpal bill will help in improving accountability mechanisms in governance.

“There is expectation (of people) that we will give an effective Lokpal,” Jaitley said.

He also urged the government to get the whistle blowers’ protection bill and citizens grievance redress bill passed by parliament in its winter session.

Jaitley said no ! law was ideal and there was scope of improving it based on exp! erience.

Earlier, Jaitley told reporters outside parliament that the BJP was “extremely keen” on passing the Lokpal bill.

The party gave a notice for suspension of the question hour to take up the Lokpal bill, he said.

On the Samajwadi Party opposing the legislation, Jaitley said one party cannot hold the whole system to ransom.