The impasse over the proposed Lokpal Bill has finally come to an end with the UPA Government giving in to the demands of social activist Anna Hazare and his team. The government passed the Lokpal Bill without altering the major features of the bill proposed by Team Anna on Sunday.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced after an all party meeting along with Team Anna key members on Sunday that the government had passed the Lokpal Bill.
"We (government) are happy to announce that the pending Lokpal Bill has been passed. We are committed to fight corruption for the growth the country. Congratulations to Anna Hazare and his team, and all the Indians. But this is just the beginning and not the end. The people should support in fighting corruption in the country otherwise the bill will be a waste," said the PM to the reporters in New Delhi.
Anna Hazare thanked the government for keeping its promise to pass the bill at the earliest. He also thanked everyone who supported "anti-corruption movement" and stood by his team during trying times.
"I thank Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his government for passing the bill on time. I also thank everyone who supported 'anti-corruption movement'. Our dream has been fulfilled now but we have bigger challenge ahead. We can achieve our ultimate goal only with the support of the public," said Anna Hazare.
The government has accepted all the major features of Lokpal Bill suggested by Team Anna, which included the powers to initiate investigations suo motu in any case and directly entertain complaints from the public without permission from anyone to probe into any case.
