“Why don’t you join us for a pilgrimage to Mt Kailash?” 

Asked Sadhguru JV, a revered Mystic of our current times and head of Isha Foundation as I stood-by to say Goodnight to him after a session of ‘In Conversation’ at Sirifort Auditorium in Delhi.

I immediately replied “Oh I would love to do Sadhguru”, without knowing what all it meant? And that every word of Sadhguru was going to be followed up.

I got a call from a Swami of Isha Foundation within weeks. Asking me if i was ready. I again said YES.

“Then please send us your passport and a medical checkup report and get a fitness certificate as we shall be climbing up-to over 17,500 feet of altitude”.

Next day, I got the checklist for the medical checkup. It was truly exhaustive!  The trek-pilgrimage would demand 20 days.–Phew! 

First time ever a long break for me!! 

Of the kind which truly disconnects me from all the happenings back home.   The only connection would be perhaps a satellite phone number with a contact based in Kathmandu, for emergency! Hence no news was good news as I thought.

I asked myself if I would be able to disconnect from my engaging and most enjoyable work schedule I work with for three long weeks? And without any contact of the kind I was so habitual of. ——-The news, print or the visual, the social networking, the blackberry, my home food and my home care, and so on. 

I resolved I will disconnect this time.  I will challenge myself and move on. I will test myself whether I can detach from the comfort zone and be myself differently?

I started to research on Mt Kailash, the Mansarover Lake, the route, the past trek feedback, the comments, the requirements, the narration on Utubes where past pilgrims had mounted their experiences for the benefit of fresher like me.

I was now getting ready to leave. I was learning to detach! I was equally excited! More so since the group was being led by Sadguru himself. This was a rare privilege.

I did not know where to get my trekking equipment from. I called up the Isha Foundation and asked for help. Swami Nakshatra identified the right Mall in Noida from where I could get all the trekking as one stop-shop.

I have never shopped like this as I did this time. I splurged. For me it’s a divine exploration! I was heading towards a revered destination. 

I then had to pass a medical test to be declared fit. I blew into several balloons for Lung and vital tests.  The doctor said I was in excellent shape!  

Ha Ha. I passed it with Fist Division at the age of 65! 

On Aug 6^th, I was on the flight to Kathmandu to join the group. Sadhguru was on the same flight with few other Isha meditators co-passengers from around the world.

I was truly privileged. Before switching off my black berry I mailed and tweeted a photo of the big trekking shoes I was wearing as evidence to my family and 3 million friends on social network as evidence of my departure! (I was already a child at heart) saying you cannot say ‘new pinch’ as theses are really hard! 

On the evening of our arrival in Kathmandu, we were blessed by Sadhguru.

He tied a thread of protection on the wrist of each one of us and gave us an introduction of the pilgrimage. Few of the team members were repeaters!  Truly dedicated to the experience and hungry for more I presume!

We were briefed to follow instructions as Sadguru emphasized. 

He said when on high altitude it’s more the attitude! And we need to be in right frames on both counts. (Mind and body)

Our trek route planned was Simikot to Darapani, to Kermi to Yalbang to Timkot. ( All in Nepal)

We entered China from Hilsa through the Friendship Bridge. (sorry not so friendly though as we had serious issues concerning our overseas  pilgrims. Sadhguru   had to seek the intervention of our Prime Minister, who was so gracious to connect with us).

We drove by road, with our group split, (half of them left behind, who joined us after a loss of 6 days) to Mansarover through Tibet. 

From Mansarover Lake we drove a few Kilometers by road, thereafter a solid long trek to Mt Kailash of 34 Km covered within 24 hrs. Going and coming. 

The first phase of our trek was treacherous! Somewhere a steep uphill and at other places a steep decline. All on rocks or loose pebbles. We used to trek almost 7-to 8 hours a day, with short breather breaks, before we could reach our halting night camps, all preferably by the side of running rivers.

The trek paths were breath taking.

But we were more focused on every step we were taking on the rocks. The lesson was: watch every step that you take! Even one step missed may be enough for a sprain or a fall! 

Also as the altitude was rising we had to ensure we do not suffer from breathlessness or dehydration. We carried oxygen supplements. Few needed it. We also maintained silence to save our breath! 

We used our walking sticks as legs to keep the balance.  Some also held the hand of ‘bahadurs’ who were so sturdy and light footed. They were carrying our back- packs which had our rain wear, umbrellas, water and some eating stuff to munch and share on the way. 

We would camp for the night in light tents.  And sleep in our sleeping bags with aching feet, knees and legs. With no warm water to bathe, on the top of it the nights were freezing.  And toilets a bit away. At night if one had to ease, it had to be under the stars and the moonlight with small head lamps on our foreheads. It was a unique experience. We were children again.

We of course had the luxury of hot food, as cooks and provisions were part of entourage! Thanks to donkeys and mares carrying our provisions.  

With an overnight six hours sleep we were all always ready for the next day!   It was an unbelievable discovery or recovery for many of us – non-Trekkers! 

Just few mugs of water were so precious for brushing, washing and cleaning. Tissue paper, swipes and the disinfectants were our hygiene. No question of any hot water bath still. The courageous would go for cold water bath in the running streams wherever possible. 

But we all meditated by the riversides. All Yoga trained! Hath Yoga emitting sounds of the birds as part of their learning. 

We heard Sadhguru’s precious words of wisdom in the evenings, followed by questions and answers too. 

I was a baby amongst them in such learning despite having done my Inner Engineering Course.

The trekking route we took will soon vanish as the Chinese are building roads all over. We walked over recently blasted rocks and soft tracks being prepared for driveways. Soon these will become motorable and lost for trekking. I am not sure whether this is to feel sad or happy! But we captured the route and the trek on camera for posterity. My Blackberry and the iPad became handy cameras to capture the terrain. 

After six days of trek and few days of drive over tricky terrain somewhere very risky and at places smooth, we reached Mansarover Lake. 

Highest lake on earth. And there were could see the majestic Mt. Kailash!

It left us all mesmerized!

Many burst out in tears! 

We camped at the Lake. Dipped in its cold waters, prayed and thanked the spiritual souls believed to be part of nature around; we left for the trek to Mt Kailash! 

We trekked for 17 KM almost nonstop for7-8 hrs. Most part of the trek Mt Kailash was with us in its spiritual splendor.

Sadhguru calls Mt Kailash the spiritual library of universe.

We drove back all through Tibet– and flew out of Lhasa, all through a nature gifted region getting modernized. Few years from now it will be a different place! 

Lessons learnt on the pilgrimage: 

• To value all one has, pilgrimage combined with treks is the best self learning! 
• To dive inside oneself, such pilgrimages make it happen! 
• To build teams such pilgrimages naturally happen. 
• To stay fit, mind body soul such pilgrimages test oneself out. It’s yoga at work! 
• To stay human, such pilgrimages sensitive! One realizes the value of everything nature offers! 
• To love nature and feel the divine such pilgrimages inculcate the spirit for life! 
• Trekking into the lap of nature teaches mortality and interdependence! 
• No amount of book reading or listening teaches all this. It’s the doing which instills.
• Best education for character building – nation building! 

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More Governance and less Government has been integral part of Mr Narendra Modi’s public statements.

Every time I hear this, it makes me think how will/can he ensure what he truly wants? (If he gets to be in that position nationally) Where does he begin from? Is it possible without few essential corrections? What are those basics without which he can-not achieve which he wants to?

In other words what are the ‘can-not’s which he can-not carry along, if he has to make the breakthroughs.

Similarly what are the ‘cans’ which Mr Modi as a Prime Minister can/must do, to provide more governance?

These are my select five thought-through-thoughts in both the categories–the ‘can-not’s and the ‘cans’

First the ‘can-not’s to provide, “more Governance and less Government”–

1. More Governance can-not begin without the elected members of parliament observe a 365 days of code of conduct. This means re-writing of the oath of office as MPs. They do not only take an oath of secrecy and allegiance to India’s constitution but also of a solemn pledge to ensure Lok Sabha does not become a ‘Lock’-Sabha and the Rajya Sabha not a ‘Rage’- Sabha. This means elected representatives set the right example of civility and decorum in parliament proceedings. Members may oppose if they need to, but without
   obstruction and destruction; without pepper sprays, tearing papers, pulling out mikes or indulging in unruly behaviour.Unless the elected political class sets the right example of good governance how will they be able command moral authority, respect and trust to get citizens participation for good governance? Will Mr Modi be able to make some breakthrough in this?
2. There cannot be maximum governance with minimum government without right-bright-upright officers in the right places. And the critical positions to begin with are: cabinet secretary which overseas union secretaries and providing the critical link between prime minister’s office, rest of the secretaries, at the centre and even the states. Other key positions being chief secretaries, director generals of police and the revenue commissioners! These officers’ cannot but be the best. That is if the goals of good governance have to be achieved.
3. Mr Modi (and PM in position, if wants to) can-not keep transferring saved or borrowed moneys into leaking buckets without plugging holes. This is reference to several social welfare schemes, which are money guzzlers, doled out with an eye on vote banks.
4. He can-not ignore nearly 2 Crore government employees across the country, which are the real governance to the last mile, for the poorest of the poor in the remotest corner of the country.
5. Mr Modi also can-not govern systems with 19 century mind-set, with 20 century government processes for meeting 21 century needs. Now from these 5 challenges of can-not, I wish to share the 5 can-s which Mr Modi can ensure. 

1. With the backing of his party and right minded people he can put in place systems which enable identifying right officers for postings, transfers and promotion for key positions as mentioned, such as cabinet secretary, chief secretaries, director generals of police and revenue commissioners. By chief secretaries effective coordination is ensured: with capable police chiefs, law and order is made possible, and with revenue officials, enough revenue is generated for moneys available for equitable development.
2. Mr Modi can create policies to involve education and researchinstitutes to objectively evaluate performance of government schemes and or government department’s performance at no- cost to the exchequer. This ensures transparency, accountability through objective analysis and regular feedback, along with practical learning for students as part of their project writing.
3. All contracts above a certain amount can be on site to ensure a level playing field for business and entrepreneurial community. This will restore faith in government, while providing good governance. Most of all it will restore integrity.
4. Cooling off period for all civil servants including the judiciary for at least two years will ensure some insulation from temptations of immediate post retirement appointments. It will also enable assimilation in normal public life devoid of official trappings. This will generate re-sensitisation, essential before re-engagement with government in power.
5. Retrain and align the 2crore public servants towards citizen charter and grievance redressal issues through greater use of technology and easy access to helplines with assured timelines. This is a must for sensitive governance. Or how else will the country as a whole feel the change. Retraining, constant sensitisation of public servants can be integrated in the governance systems itself. “Old tools do not create new carvings”. They will need to be kept updated and relevant.

Mr Narendra Modi may like to remember what William Gladstone, Prime Minister of United Kingdom, four separate times said; it is the duty of government to make it difficult for people to do wrong.

It is the duty of governance to make it easy for people to do right.

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1. How do you rate the performance of the 49 days AAP govt in Delhi? They themselves say they were in a hurry. For moving on to campaigning for Parliament, the Party leadership adopted a most confrontational and hostile approach towards everything and everybody. All their decisions were impulsive and for increasing vote banks this approach in fact has divided Delhi for the first time on class lines! It clearly isolated Institutions such as Delhi Police, and others. They neither had the skills not the intention to work around and with the system! They wanted only its exposure and to punish, and gain media engagement all the time!

2. Delhi is under the President’s rule right now and Delhi will go for fresh polls in the next six months. How do you view this scenario? and do you see things to be any different next time around with the promise of AAP returning with a majority? Six months is both long and short for such politics! Delhi if remains in confrontational and impulsive mode is heading for massive disturbance in the peace quotient of the city! There is mass anxiety about it! Anywhere one goes the question being asked is how long? And when will Delhi settle down! Clearly people are feeling disillusioned!

3. Anna Hazare has been critical of Arvind Kejriwal on the way he quit from Delhi and has now also promised support to West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee as the most suitable prime ministerial candidate of India.” Do you agree with Anna Hazare? Anna is an Institution by himself! And has his very personal views on certain matters! Best therefore to respect his views and keep yours!

4. What is your view on the role of the third front in the upcoming elections? Country today has an option of voting in a national party, the BJP, (and reject the Congress which caused several scams). We can expect Governance from the BJP, since its being led by experienced and tested leadership!

We as voters will decide what we truly want! Currently it’s time to move on towards solutions and not scapegoats! Good Governance and sound leadership will make corruption difficult! As also with Lokpal Act, in which there is now an independence of CBI, punishment is possible!

Hence Third Front, a coming together of several parties may not be in a position to provide political stability– Resulting in poor governance!– No progress! –Decline in all indices!

5. There are reports of demand by BJP leaders and Anna Hazare has also given a nod for you to contest elections. Please share your plan ahead and the role you would play during the elections, in case you choose not to contest. I don’t seek others ‘Nod’ I go by my own inner ‘Nod!’ I do not know politics! I know public service! Hence remained a willing cop for 35 years! I wish to remain who I am!

6. As a former associate of Arvind Kejriwal, do you and other members of the Jan Lokpal Movement feel that Mr Kejriwal has become larger than the movement and perhaps Anna Hazare himself? Some believe that Arvind Kejriwal has hijacked the Jan Lokpal Movement for political gains, what is your view.

The last fast of July 2012, which he and his team undertook was not with prior approval of Anna and rest of the team! It was thrust upon us! And the end game was pre-decided! They had said in one of the meetings,that if Anna did not support them they would go without him! Anna joined them for the sake of unity of the movement not knowing the end! Which is why he dissolved the group immediately after?

7. How do you think issues such as corruption, law and order, safety of women, apart from economic growth fare in an election which is witnessing strong undercurrents of communal polarisation across party lines. The country is looking for development and prosperity! And all those who do will rise above and save the country! And to work for India First! Not their own few seats/numbers!

Thanks

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“Bharat Mata ki Jai. Inqalab Zindabad”. Friends let me begin by thanking all those who voted for the Aam Admi Party and all others without whom, we would not have reached where we are today!

It is an occasion for gratitude, civility and harmony.

Friends this electoral victory is not the result of only the last one year of our political formation but a struggle which goes back several years, which had innumerable fellow architects. Hence allow me to recall a collective gratitude towards them.

In my experience, nothing is achieved alone. Every man is a product of huge investment. In reality nobody is self-made. All of us are also made by others! We are instruments of success. Success apparently is a collective force. It may culminate through a few faces. Remember every bamboo does not become a flute. This is my learning from Indian Ethos and my upbringing!

Let me begin with by bowing before my family for unstinted support they gave me to follow my heart, to be an activist and engage myself into activities which were less travelled. They stood by me through thick and thin.  Even when I was basically unemployed!

I wish to recognise my journey with my friends whether it was the RTI movement or my close associates in Parivartan cause. (Including Mohalla Samiti causes) Most recent of all, of which most of you were an integral part of, is the Anna Hazare led India Against Corruption Movement. It was Anna’s personal sacrifice through his indefinite fast, along with several others all over the country, and our coming together in unprecedented numbers that placed Lokpal on the national agenda. It finally brought the Parliament to its knees when it passed a unanimous resolution accepting Anna’s key demands. It’s regretful that our demands like Citizen Charter, Grievance Redressal, Judicial Accountability and Lokayukts are awaiting closure. It is this architecture which will complete the framework of anti-corruption in the country. And we shall raise these demands now. However I wish to thank the Parliament for having finally passed a Lokpal Bill, after a wait of 46 years, which ensures that CBI reports only to Lokpal for matters referred by it.

This ensures functional autonomy to the CBI and sets the ‘parrot free’

(CBI) free. Officers investigating the case cannot be transferred without the clearance of Lokpal. No government sanctions will be needed to prosecute senior public servants. It will have its own budget, own panel of lawyers and a prosecution wing. We as a civil society achieved this. In fact this anti-corruption movement which we struggled together gave us political and social victory.

Now we need strong Lokayukts in the States to ensure all State Government employees get similar relief. Onus now is on people of States to strive and demand it from their respective Governments.

Please do not depend on one 76 years old Anna to do it for all.

We in Delhi will soon pass a strong Delhi Lokayukt Bill on the Lines of  Uttrakhand Bill which was passed by the Uttrakhand Assembly unanimously, already granted consent by the President of India. This will be on our priority agenda.

Let us thank our (SC) Supreme Court for key Judgements they delivered particularly unseating the convicted elected MLAs and MPs from elected bodies; The (CAG) Comptroller and Auditor General, for relentlessly exposing corruption of one scam after another, the (CIC) The Chief Information Commissioner for their ruling that Political Parties also come under RTI; the (CEC) The Chief Election Commissioner for their strict watch over the adherence of Model Code of Conduct, and not banning elections polls; The (ADR) Association for Democratic Reforms for keeping the people well informed of electoral issues; The (RTI) Right to Information activists for unearthing valuable information and placing it in public domain; Justice Verma Committee and other Youth/ NGOs for raising their voice on women’s safety; Writers for keeping the readers informed by their writings and editorials, the Media for massive proactive coverage of the movements and people’s views, leading to mass awakening! You are all product of that today! We thank them all.

And how can I not fully credit the change to people of three major States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and our own Delhi to tell the political parties that it cannot be politics as usual. It has to change! It has to be accountable and transparent.

While in other States there are clear majorities to form the Government, we in Delhi did not get it. We had no choice but to sit in Opposition and wait for the next round of elections. We checked with you and majority of you wanted us to govern even without having the adequate numbers of confidence. We have taken the risk. We did not ask for help. We have been extended conditional support by the Congress party to administer. A challenge we have accepted. As you know that all along our anti-corruption movement was directed against the ruling party in particular. Had they acted upon our demands in 2011, even up to July of 2012, we would not have been a political formation today.

You have punished them for neglecting the demands of Aam Aadmi!

We do not know how long our relationship with Congress party will last. We were a movement and as a political party we are only a year old. We do not have past experience. But we have the will. We are here to honour all our commitments made during the election campaign and detailed in party manifesto. Like for instance an immediate helpline to report corruption and appointing honest bureaucrats will be started forthwith.

 All change is not comfortable but when it is for larger good it has to be done. And we will.

Beginning with doing away of VIP culture! We are not taking any big bungalows, pilot cars, PSOs or escorts. Security will be only threat perception based. We are here to challenge the status quo of which the Aam Aadmi is disgusted!

Now that you have voted us into power we wow to serve you with integrity and commitment. You will see us perform and give us a constant feedback.

But it’s equally now your responsibility to be better citizens. By being law abiding, and conscientious people in neighbourhoods.

We are committed to meet your essential needs of water, power, schooling, health care, and other issues as said. We will with your help catch the corrupt red handed.

We shall soon work to scrap the old Lokayuta Act and replace it a new one which brings transfers anti-corruption wing of Delhi Government to Lokayukta. This will strengthen our system. This is for your information.

Friends let all well-meaning come together and value each day of governance. Government administration and self-governance!

The fight is long as it’s not just about Delhi, but across India for this message to go, that elections can be fought with integrity and transparency. And persons of simple means can also be elected provided they believe in themselves.

We thank the All Mighty for having given us this opportunity to serve you. Now Aam Aadmi will serve Aam Aadmi and made to feel like Khaas Aadmi.

I once again thank all those who brought us to this level of service.

We shall work with harmony, civility, and gratitude as long as we continue to be supported in numbers. We shall leave as soon as we are not.

 We are not here to hang on. We shall come back to you when the time comes, sooner or later!

 I can assure you we will convert each hour into hours of work, with the right intention and will power.

Thank you all. Jai hind. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”

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Will Lokpal be a harbinger of change or is it a Jokepal as some went public without reading the changes which had been brought about by the Select Committee of the Parliament. It was these improvements which Anna Hazare and his associates accepted and welcomed it a right beginning. Getting the Lokpal was an impossible mission made possible by a collective effort of millions, led by Anna Hazare, over the past three years. Akin to an assembly line, some played a pivotal role and others supportive in the passing of Lokpal.

Some initiated it and stayed on, some fought for it but left it after getting frustrated, and some came in between and stayed on till the end. This is one law if Indian Parliament had passed soon after independence, the country would have been world’s largest and most prosperous democracy. It would not have had criminal and corrupt elected on money power collected by abuse of position, enslaving bureaucracy but honest and visionary statesmen of the calibre who led India to freedom from colonial rule. They would have valued what they had inherited, and not destroyed it and made themselves rich and powerful at the cost of the poorest. Country lost trillions since independence belonging to the country’s poor. It was time to end this.

The crusade started with several activists coming together.Undoubtedly Anna had a core team of few to be the face of India against Corruption movement on strategy, organisation and mobilisation etc. Starting January 2011, India against Corruption movement was demanding along with other demands, independence of CBI, India’s premier investigating agency on corruption matters. Since independence it was politically controlled and manipulated. It had lost trust over the years to an extent that a time came when country’s highest court, theSupreme Court of India started to oversee key investigations, latest being the Coalgate. It repeatedly averred it hopes to see a caged parrot (CBI) set free. So what is the Lokpal today as passed by the Parliament? Let’s analyse and see if it is worth it? Will it be able to deliver and punish the high and mighty? Will it send out a larger message of fear and deterrence? Will chances of getting caught and punished and even losing ill-gotten wealth be strong? Will there be a change in the way bureaucrats deliver or the Ministers dispense their discretionary powers with a sense of equity?

Let’s begin with how Lokpal will change the way CBI works? First, appointment of its Director: Earlier it was entirely in the hands of government. Now it shall be by a collegium of Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and leader of Opposition. (Hence takes away unilateralism) On Investigation: Whatever matter is entrusted by Lokpal to CBI, the investigating agency will only report the matter to Lokpal. It will have its own prosecution wing and can choose lawyers from the Lokpal approved panel.

(Takes away any interference or influence of the government even in this sphere) On Sanctions: like for instance in the Adarsh Society scam, the Governor of Maharashtra has declined to accord sanctions to CBI to proceed against scam officers. With Lokpal in place no sanction will be needed. Lokpal will proceed on merits of the case. It can order a preliminary enquiry or investigations from CBI or any other agency in the country. The law permits search or seizure of assets if suspected to be from corruption money, according to circumstances of each case. Composition of Lokpal: They shall be appointed by Selection Committee, comprising of PM, LOP, CJI, Speaker and eminent Jurist. This collegium will be supported by a Search Committee. It shall comprise of eight members. 50% from Judiciary and the other four with expertise of law, investigation, finance, vigilance, anti-corruption etc. Also with due representation from SC, ST and women. (Just one Director CBI is now replaced by 8 Independent Members) Expenditure: The government shall provide all such expenditure, which is in the opinion of the Director CBI as it necessary to conduct a fair investigation. (It cuts out all existing red tapes, and makes Director CBI as head of his own organisation. The Prime Minister included: With certain exceptions such as public order, space, defence matters etc. but not the Prime Minister’s Office!

Removal of Lokpal: By the President after a Supreme Court inquiry on a reference from the President on a petition signed by at least 100 MPs. Lokpal Act to be a Model Act for all the States to pass Lokayukts within a year. Many States till now do not have one. Those which have can improve them as much as they want it to be. How do these provisions appear? Are these serious or are these jokes? Should people not have confirmed the provisions before giving misleading statements by terming it as a Jokepal? Lokpal will be like a Supreme Court against Corruption! Message is no public servant should take his duties lightly anymore! Punishment now shall be a certainty! This is just the beginning. More is still to come. Such as Whistle Blower Bill, Citizen Charter and Grievance Redressal etc. India has changed! For ever! Thanks to People Power!

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Why is Anna Hazare on a fast for Lokpal Bill yet again, this time in his own village at Ralegaon Siddhi, near Pune (Maharashtra)? Where is the Lokpal Bill pending for which the country has been agitating and demanding since last 3 years? This is even after the Parliament passed a unanimous resolution on in 28th August 2011, and the Prime Minister sent a personally signed letter to Anna, conveying the sentiment and a written commitment that a strong Lokpal bill shall be passed!

Why then has the bill not been passed yet? What is in the Lokpal Bill which is threatening that it has been held back? When many bills have been rammed through the Parliament? What if it was in place even in the past one year? What difference could it have been made? What has been going on in matters of serious corruption cases? Why India’s premier investigating agency was called a ‘caged parrot’ by the Honourable Supreme Court of India?

Today as you read the Lokpal bill is back on the agenda of the Parliament.

What does it hold for us now? Can we begin with it and then improve it as we go along. I believe we can this time. For the key elements listed below (as of now)…

1. Beginning with the appointment of the Director of CBI. This was earlier totally a government appointment. By the new bill, being tabled in Rajya Sabha, and as cleared by the Government on the recommendations of Select Committee is to be a collegium comprising of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India.
(People wanted this and got it)

2. On the Selection Committee for Lokpal Members. Recommended by Select Committee is, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, Leader of Opposition, Speaker of Lok Sabha, and an eminent Jurist to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Selection Committee).

3. Lokpal would have eight members. 50% from Judiciary and the other four with expertise of law, investigation, finance, vigilance, anti-corruption etc. Also with due representation from SC, ST and women.

4. The CBI will be overseen by Lokpal in relation to cases which are referred by Lokpal. This means all matters which are referred by Lokpal to CBI, the latter will be directly reporting to lokpal only. Hence it stands insulated from any form of external political interference.
(Hence no more interferences from Law Ministers of the kind which happened earlier)

5. CBI officers investigating Lokpal cases will be transferred by government with the prior approval of lokpal— (A unanimous recommendation of Select Committee but NOT accepted by Government. This is open to amendments in Rajya Sabha still) (However once the Lokpal starts functioning with eight eminent persons it will not be easy for the government without justified reasons to take arbitrary decisions)

6. CBI also will be free to appoint its own team of lawyers with the consent of Lokpal. Currently it’s a very bureaucratic route!

7. CBI shall have Directorate of Prosecution under a Director who shall be under the Director CBI. (This too is a major improvement. Law officers come in from Law Ministry)

8. The government shall provide all such expenditure, which is in the opinion of the Director of CBI, as it is necessary to conduct a fair investigation. The Director of CBI will be responsible for all expenditure sanctioned and spent for the conduct of such investigations. (It cuts out all existing red tapes, and makes Director CBI as head of his own organisation, which he has been asking for a long time)

9. There shall be an enquiry and an investigative wing too, which enables Lokpal on receipt of a complaint to decide whether to get the complaint inquired into, or order investigation by any investigation agency, even besides the CBI!

10. The government however has proposed that prior to this, the government official be given a hearing. This matter too is open for amendments in Parliament. Several want this hearing as a discretion and not mandatory.

11. Another important change is the issue of sanction from government before proceeding with the complaint concerning a government servant(not needed now). It has been agreed and accepted by the Government that while considering the investigation report, the 3 member Lokpal bench shall obtain comments of the competent authority and the concerned public servant.

12. The Prime Minister is included with certain exceptions such as public order, space, defence matters etc. but not the Prime Minister’s Office!

13. The lokpal can be removed by the President after a Supreme Court inquiry on a reference from the President on a petition signed by at least 100 MPs.

14. In case of a false or frivolous complaint those made in good faith should not be penalised.

15. The Lokpal Act to be a model Act for all the States to pass Lokayukts within a year. Many states till now do not have one. We may begin with this Lokpal. Improve it as we go along. It will give provision for an independent anti-corruption system and open the cage of the ‘caged parrot’ , (the CBI) for larger prosperity of our country!

The Lokpal Bill is tabled today in Rajya Sabha and we wait to see what it finally does on Monday!

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