Govt. open to reasonable discussion Lokpal Bill: Manmohan Singh

Points out that the rapid and timely decision-making research much corruption discourages Dr. Manmohan Singh Monday said the central government is open to have a sensible discussion Lokpal Bill.Addressing students and faculty of Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, here, Dr. Singh said: "It has long been argued that we need an institution like Lok Pal. We have introduced a Bill in Parliament, which is now before the Standing Committee. Differences are the details of Bill."

"We have made it clear that all parties should forward their concerns about various aspects of the Bill to the Standing Committee of Parliament and their representatives. The Standing Committee has the right to propose changes. We are open to reasoned debate on all these issues," added he added.

Underlines that the Lok Pal to help the institution, but does not solve the problem, said Dr. Singh: "It must be supported by improvements in the quality and pace of litigation." "We need to overhaul the existing government procedures to reduce discretion and be based on the decision making process as transparent as possible. Have I asked a group of ministers to study this problem and I am convinced that we have come up with a systemic solution. As leaders can contribute to the process by providing mechanisms that would allow greater transparency, "he added.

Noting that many countries have laws that regulate public procurement, said Dr. Singh: "We propose to introduce legislation in the direction of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law model law has recently changed its previous public procurement .."

"We can take advantage of the newest" model law ". And the international best practice internally I urge the authorities to do the same," he said added.Emphasising that many of the controversies that have arisen in recent times occurs because of weaknesses in our regulatory institutions, said Dr. Singh: "We need to strengthen the regulatory framework, including strengthening its technical capabilities." "The financing of elections and political parties happens to be another area that requires reforms to reduce opportunities for the generation of black money, "he added.