Taking a potshot at Hazare's campaign on Lokpal bill, the NAC pointed out that for both the middle class and the rich corruption is only a selective issue.
NEW DELHI: The split in the civil society over the Lokpal bill is out in the open. Amid the clamour for Lokpal as a magic pill against corruption, the National Advisory Council (NAC) on Thursday argued that a bouquet of systemic reforms with a clutch of laws is required to curb graft.
Pushing for the need of several new laws and reforms, the Sonia Gandhi-led panel cautioned that system need not look at one place to stem corruption or look for a silver bullet, in an oblique reference to Anna Hazare's campaign for Lokpal bill.
NAC members Harsh Mander and Aruna Roy presented the roadmap to control corruption. Presenting an exhaustive homework for UPA-II, it listed out an array of reforms and a long legislative agenda.
In what could be construed as a pot shot at Hazare's campaign on Lokpal bill, it was pointed out that for both the middle class and the rich corruption is only a selective issue.
It was suggested that the NAC should address corruption from the poor's viewpoint.
The proposed reforms entail bringing in changes to incorporate social audits, Lokpal bill, Judicial Accountability bill, Protection of Whistleblowers bill, grievance redressal, Rights to Services bill and rules for transparency in government appointments. These measures will clean up administration to reduce margin for discretion, boost transparency, expedite delivery of services and reform police and judiciary.
It was pointed out that almost no action had been taken on the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission or the suggestions of the CVC. On police reforms, too, it was noted that only 11 states have passed the new Police Acts till date.
While a host of points were raised, the NAC deliberated on what could be the specific areas it can take up.
In keeping with its pro-poor agenda, it was suggested that the NAC focus on issues of transparency, social audits, public appointments and pre-legislative consultations, besides other issues.
Sources suggested that the NAC would tackle concerns of improving the Right to Information Act and increasing transparency in government operations, including voluntary disclosures and social audits.
Pushing for the need of several new laws and reforms, the Sonia Gandhi-led panel cautioned that system need not look at one place to stem corruption or look for a silver bullet, in an oblique reference to Anna Hazare's campaign for Lokpal bill.
NAC members Harsh Mander and Aruna Roy presented the roadmap to control corruption. Presenting an exhaustive homework for UPA-II, it listed out an array of reforms and a long legislative agenda.
In what could be construed as a pot shot at Hazare's campaign on Lokpal bill, it was pointed out that for both the middle class and the rich corruption is only a selective issue.
It was suggested that the NAC should address corruption from the poor's viewpoint.
The proposed reforms entail bringing in changes to incorporate social audits, Lokpal bill, Judicial Accountability bill, Protection of Whistleblowers bill, grievance redressal, Rights to Services bill and rules for transparency in government appointments. These measures will clean up administration to reduce margin for discretion, boost transparency, expedite delivery of services and reform police and judiciary.
It was pointed out that almost no action had been taken on the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission or the suggestions of the CVC. On police reforms, too, it was noted that only 11 states have passed the new Police Acts till date.
While a host of points were raised, the NAC deliberated on what could be the specific areas it can take up.
In keeping with its pro-poor agenda, it was suggested that the NAC focus on issues of transparency, social audits, public appointments and pre-legislative consultations, besides other issues.
Sources suggested that the NAC would tackle concerns of improving the Right to Information Act and increasing transparency in government operations, including voluntary disclosures and social audits.
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