Lok Sabha passes Lokpal, Lokayukta amendment bill

New Delhi, July 27  The Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016, doing away with the time period for public servants to furnish details of their assets and liabilities, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday without a discussion.

The bill seeks to amend Section 44 of the existing act under which public servants are bound to furnish the details of their assets, debts and other liabilities within a period of 30 days from the date on which they make and subscribe an oath or affirmation to enter upon their office. Now this time period has been removed for one prescribed by the government.

Introducing the amendment bill, Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh stressed: "Through this amendment, the government is not diluting the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act and it is committed to make it more stringent."

Later talking to reporters, Singh said that particular amendment in Section 44 created the urgency for the point of view that it makes "mandatory for the public servants, Members of Parliament and NGOs to declare their assets by July 31".

He also refuted the allegations that the government is going soft on corruption.

"No question arises of going soft on corruption. If needed and suggestions come to make the act more stringent, the government is ready for it," he said.