Govt making efforts to put Lokpal body on fast track

Though the government may have failed to bring in ordinances on anti-corruption laws, it is keen to send out a strong signal on its intent to curb corruption and is going ahead with shortlisting candidates for the Lokpal and members of its panels.
The government feels since the Lokpal Bill has been passed by Parliament and the Lokpal, as an autonomous body, will function outside the government’s purview, it is not covered by the model code of conduct that comes into effect once the Lok Sabha polls are announced by the Election Commission.
But there is also a view that this could be a grey area, and the Opposition may raise objections. There have been instances in the past, though, when caretaker governments have made key appointments.
Sources said the government was going ahead with setting up an eight-member search panel which in turn will forward names for the Lokpal body to the select committee headed by Prime Minister.
“The legal opinion is that the caretaker PM can clear the names approved by the search panel. He may, though, leave the decision to the new government for political propriety. ” a top official said.